Detroit Tigers prospect Spencer Torkelson recently sat down with the Ilitch Companies News Hub for an exclusive conversation on acclimating to the pros, the players he looks up to and how his life has changed since being drafted No. 1 overall last year.

The Detroit Tigers selected Torkelson, from Arizona State University, with the first overall pick in the 2020 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. A Two-Time Unanimous All-American, Torkelson ranks as one of the best hitters in college baseball history, batting a combined .337/.463/.729 with 33 doubles, 54 home runs and 130 RBIs. His home run total was just two shy of tying Bob Horner’s school record of 56 homers.

On June 15, the club announced Torkelson and second-round pick Dillon Dingler were promoted to Double-A. Since Torkelson’s promotion, he has a .280/.351/.560 slash line (batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, respectively). He, along with SeaWolves teammate Riley Greene, was invited to take part in the 2021 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game with the league’s top prospects.

“Spencer is exactly the type of player we hoped would be there for us,” Scott Pleis, Detroit Tigers director of amateur scouting, said after the club drafted Torkelson. “He’s one of the most polished hitters we’ve seen in the draft for quite some time, showing plus-plus power and excellent plate discipline. We’ve been tracking Spencer’s growth and performance since his breakout freshman season at Arizona State, and are excited to see him grow in the coming years.”

Hear from Torkelson in the video below.