Spencer Torkelson and Makenna Mattei Expecting First Child: A New Rookie Joins the Tigers Family

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson and his fiancée, Makenna Mattei, have sent fans into a frenzy of excitement with the heartwarming announcement that they are expecting their first child—a baby boy. On June 6, 2025, Torkelson shared the joyous news via Instagram, posting a photo of the couple with a tiny Tigers jersey, captioned, “Can’t wait for this little rookie to join our family! My husband and I have a SUPER MEANINGFUL NAME for our sweet baby boy…” The announcement, radiating love and anticipation, has sparked a wave of celebration across the baseball world.

Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, has been a cornerstone for the Tigers, helping lead them to their first postseason since 2014 with a .310 batting average and three home runs early in the 2025 season. Off the field, his romance with Mattei, a former volleyball and softball star from Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, California, has captured hearts. The couple, who have been together since their teenage years, got engaged in January 2024, with Torkelson proposing in a romantic setup of balloons, candles, and flower petals on their front porch. Their wedding is planned for fall 2025, but this baby news adds an even brighter chapter to their love story.

Mattei, born May 8, 1999, is no stranger to the spotlight. A 2017 graduate of Casa Grande High School, where she played varsity sports, she gained local fame in 2013 for challenging a school dress code banning leggings, showcasing her outspoken spirit. Now, as she prepares for motherhood, Mattei’s Instagram (@makennamattei) is buzzing with posts of her and Torkelson, including their beloved French bulldog, Bubba, who will soon share the spotlight with their “little rookie.” The couple’s announcement hinted at a “super meaningful name” for their son, sparking speculation among fans on X, with some guessing it might honor Torkelson’s family or a baseball legend.