Tigers' Mize, Torkelson Excel as Team Leads AL Central

Detroit Tigers former No. 1 overall draft picks Casey Mize and Spencer Torkelson are finally living up to their high expectations, playing pivotal roles in the team's strong start to the 2025 season. Mize, after years of injuries and setbacks, recently delivered his longest outing since 2021, pitching seven strong innings against the Kansas City Royals and showing signs of a return to top form. Torkelson, who struggled with inconsistency in previous years, has reclaimed a key spot in the batting order, hitting his seventh home run of the season and raising his average significantly. The Tigers, who surprised many with a playoff run last season despite limited contributions from these two, now benefit from a more balanced roster with both Mize and Torkelson performing at star levels. With other standouts like Tarik Skubal also excelling, Detroit leads the AL Central and boasts one of the league's top offenses and run differentials. This resurgence signals a promising future for the franchise and validates the investments made in their top draft picks.