Who’s A Bigger Disappointment…Mize Or Torkelson?

I only write this article because of Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (pictured above) having another rough start, this time at the hands of the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night, 9-1.

Mize lasted only 4 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on nine hits while throwing 101 pitches in less than five innings.  His record is now 1-6 with a 4.54 earned run average.

Mize, you may remember, was the number 1 overall pick in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft out of Auburn University.  Big things were expected.

Well, that hasn't happened yet, partially due to injury.  He did miss a season and a half due to Tommy John surgery (2022-23), but he was supposed to be the ace of the pitching staff.  That's what a top overall pick is supposed to be.

If not now, when?

You could argue it's even worse for Spencer Torkelson (pictured here).  Just like Mize, he was the number 1 overall pick.  But he came out of Arizona State in the 2020 MLB Draft.  And he was deemed the first baseman of the future when he made the team out of spring training in 2022.  But he struggled in his rookie year, hitting .203 and he was sent back to Triple-A Toledo for several weeks during the year.

But he regrouped in 2023, hitting 31 home runs and driving in 94 runs in 159 games played.  Fans and media though he had "regained altitude".

But Torkelson has regressed in 2024.  He's only hit .201 with only four home runs and 18 RBI in 54 games.  And he was sent back to Triple-A Toledo for the second time in three seasons, where he is now.

If not now, when?

Two number 1 overall picks who have not played up to hoped and expectations.

So...Who's the bigger disappointment...Casey Mize or Spencer Torkelson?  Let us know in the comments.