The best indicator of the future is the past. With all signs pointing the Tigers taking Arizona State first baseman Spencer Torkelson with the first overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft, we need to find out how recent first basemen taken this early have performed. Let’s see what we can find out below, beginning with a pick that occurred more than two decades ago.
1. Pat Burrell, Philadelphia Phillies, 1998 MLB Draft
12 MLB Seasons, Career WAR: 18.9
When you think about setting realistic expectations for Torkelson, Burrell is an outstanding comparison.