Spencer Torkelson Drops Baby Bombshell: Tigers Star and Fiancée Expecting a Daughter — And Fans Are Obsessed with the Secret Name Tied to Comerica Park
By [Your Name], Detroit Free Press — July 10, 2025
Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson has always been known for his powerful swing and clutch hitting. But this week, the 25-year-old slugger stepped up to the plate in a different way entirely — announcing that he and his fiancée, Makenna Mattei, are expecting their first child, a baby girl.
And while baseball fans were quick to shower the couple with congratulations, it’s the secret name chosen for their daughter that has sent social media into a frenzy.
A Personal Home Run
The news broke late Tuesday evening when Torkelson posted a series of photos to Instagram. One image shows Makenna holding up an ultrasound photo, both beaming with joy. Another shows tiny pink baby shoes balanced on a miniature Tigers bat, captioned:
“Our biggest blessing is on the way. Can’t wait to meet our little girl. 💗”
Almost instantly, comments from fans, teammates, and even other MLB players flooded in. The post racked up over 430,000 likes within twelve hours.
“Dude, this is bigger than any grand slam!” wrote teammate Riley Greene.
Even Tigers manager A.J. Hinch chimed in: “Congrats to two amazing people. Hope the baby gets your patience at the plate and not mine.”
The Name Mystery That’s Driving Fans Wild
Yet amid the wave of well-wishes, one small detail hinted at in Torkelson’s caption sparked an unexpected internet obsession. In the final line of his post, he wrote:
“Her name means everything to us… a moment we’ll never forget under the Comerica lights.”
That one cryptic clue has sent Tigers fans — and baseball social media at large — into detective mode. Thousands of comments speculate wildly about what the baby’s name could be, tied to Comerica Park and the couple’s personal history.
A Love Story Rooted in Baseball
Torkelson and Mattei, both originally from California, have been dating since his Arizona State days. Friends say Comerica Park played a special role in their relationship.
“It was the place where he first felt like a real big leaguer,” said one Tigers insider. “And I’m pretty sure he proposed to Makenna there, too.”
While the pair have kept many details private, fans remember spotting them together at Comerica as far back as Torkelson’s rookie year. One particularly viral moment came when cameras caught Mattei cheering wildly after Torkelson’s first MLB home run — a towering blast into left field that helped clinch a win over the Chicago White Sox.
“That stadium is special to both of them,” said longtime Tigers fan Maria Sanchez. “It makes perfect sense they’d pick a name connected to it.”
Fan Theories Run Wild
On Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, speculation about possible baby names has reached fever pitch. Some of the most popular guesses:
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“Comerica” — A few fans jokingly suggest the couple might go literal and name the baby after the stadium itself.
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“Caroline” — A nod to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” played during big Tigers moments.
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“Victory” — Symbolizing the Tigers’ winning spirit and a personal triumph.
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“Skylar” — Referring to Detroit’s famous skyline, visible from the ballpark.
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“Diamond” — As in baseball diamond — and the symbol of lasting love.
Posts with hashtags like #TorkelBabyName and #ComericaPrincess have already amassed millions of views.
Beyond Baseball: A Different Kind of Legacy
For Torkelson, the baby news marks a new chapter both personally and professionally. The first baseman has emerged as one of the Tigers’ core players, a beacon of hope in the club’s rebuilding efforts.
Yet Torkelson has also been candid in past interviews about wanting balance in his life beyond baseball.
“I love this game, but family is everything,” he told reporters last year. “I grew up watching my dad work his tail off and still show up for me every day. That’s who I want to be.”
Teammates say he’s already excited about fatherhood. Greene shared that Torkelson has been peppering veteran players with questions about balancing the season grind with diaper duty.
“He’s gonna be a great dad,” Greene said. “He’s patient, funny, and he takes care of his people.”
A Fanbase Hungry for Joy
For Detroit fans, the Torkelson baby news offers a welcome dose of feel-good energy amid a season of ups and downs. Comerica Park has seen its share of heartbreak and hope over the past decade, but moments like these remind fans why they keep coming back.
“This city loves Tork, and now we get to love his family too,” said fan Jalen Pierce. “I don’t even care if they name the baby Comerica. I’d buy the jersey!”
Waiting for the Big Reveal
As of Thursday afternoon, Torkelson and Mattei have yet to reveal the actual name. Makenna hinted in her Instagram stories that they’ll share the news “soon… but not just yet.”
Meanwhile, Tigers fans are counting down the days, convinced the name reveal will be as thrilling as a walk-off homer.
If one thing is certain, it’s that Spencer Torkelson has already hit one of the biggest home runs of his life — and Detroit can’t wait to meet its newest little Tiger.