Building a Mariners-Tigers trade package for former No. 1 pick Spencer Torkelson

Though pitchers and catchers have already reported to spring training and hitters are just about a week away from joining them, it's never too late to consider a trade, especially for Jerry Dipoto. This offseason has been relatively quiet compared to previous years, and considering the holes that still present themself on this roster, a move for another bat is something fans have been begging for.

Spencer Torkelson has been the everyday first baseman for the Tigers the last three years but lost some of his playing time in 2024. A former No. 1 overall pick in 2020, Torkelson possesses elite power and a solid bat. Still just 25 years old, he hasn't been able to full realize it. His 2023 season looked like he was ready to catapult into the elite slugging first basemen discussion after slashing .233/.313/.446 with 31 home runs and 94 RBI. His 25% strikeout rate and near 10% walk rate seemed like manageable numbers that would translate well in the bigs.

However, his 2024 season was just flat out terrible. He hit .219/.295/.374 with just 10 home runs in 92 games and could never get things going. It resulted in the Tigers sending him to Triple-A Toledo for 58 games and looks to have put him on the outside looking in for Detroit.

With the Tigers rumored to be interested in Alex Bregman coupled with the recent addition of Gleyber Torres, their infield is starting to get a little crowded. The emergence of Matt Vierling and decision to move Colt Keith to first base could make Torkelson expendable for Detroit. If they are interested in offers for the former No. 1 overall pick, Dipoto should be all over it.

Mariners should consider this trade package for Tigers 1B Spencer Torkelson

Motor City Bengals put together an article talking about the potential of trading Torkelson and mentioned the reported asking price. Apparently, they are looking for two top-15 prospects, but it was noted "None of those teams are giving up two top 15 prospects for Tork. It's just not happening." This is probably true, as Torkelson's value has plummeted. But the article goes on to mention one top-15 prospect could do the trick for the Tigers. They have plenty of offense at the major league level and in the minors, so pitching could be the focus here.

The Mariners have recently added some solid pitching prospects with the draft that included Jurrangelo Cijntje and Ryan Sloan (both off limits in this trade) along with a pair of older, college arms in Logan Evans, Brandyn Garcia and Teddy McGraw (who are also off limits in this deal). That brings us to a high school arm the Mariners drafted in the ninth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of San Diego, California. They signed him for an overslot deal, keeping him from his Oregon State commitment.

Gough (the Mariners 17th-ranked prospect according to MLB.com) has one full season of work to go off, throwing 95 2/3 innings at Single-A Modesto, where he had a 4.33 ERA with 9.3 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9. The walk rate might be a little high, but considering he is just 20 years old, there is still plenty of time for improvement there. MLB.com talks about Gough not necessarily having elite stuff, but he possesses a fastball that "plays up some with good spin and ride up in the zone." They go on to talk about his best secondary being a changeup alongside a fringe-y slider, curve and sweeper. Gough has the potential to be an innings eating No. 4 or 5 starter, or a solid multi-inning reliever over the long term.

The other arm Detroit would receive in this deal is the Mariners 26th-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com, Dylan Wilson. At just 19, this represents a shot on a lower-level prospect with some interesting characteristics. He's undersized at just six feet tall, but has a mid-90's fastball and a decent 12-to-6 curveball that shows some potential.

This isn't an offer that will blow Detroit away and force their hand, but Torkelson may find himself in Triple-A for a lot of this year. If that's the case, or the struggles continue, his value could tank even further. This is a great time for them to cut bait and just move on while getting a pair of potentially promising arms to move forward with.