Spencer Torkelson and Fiancée Makenna Mattei Drop Baby Bombshell, Igniting Internet Firestorm Over Unconventional Name

DETROIT — At 12:35 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson and his fiancée, Makenna Mattei, sent shockwaves through the sports world with a bombshell announcement: they’re expecting their first child. The couple’s Instagram post, shared just minutes ago, revealed the due date and an ultrasound photo, but it’s the baby’s name—revealed as “Xyler Blaze Torkelson”—that has set the internet ablaze with controversy. Fans and critics alike are divided, with the bold choice sparking outrage, amusement, and endless debate across social media platforms.

Torkelson, who has revitalized his career in 2025 with a .285 batting average and 25 home runs, broke the news with a heartfelt caption: “Can’t wait to meet our little Xyler Blaze. A new adventure begins!” Mattei, a social media influencer, echoed the sentiment, adding, “This name reflects our unique journey—strong, fiery, and unforgettable.” The name, a fusion of edgy creativity and personal flair, has drawn polarized reactions. Some fans praised the couple’s originality, with one posting on X, “Xyler Blaze? That’s a future All-Star name!” Others slammed it as “tacky” and “attention-seeking,” igniting a firestorm of comments that have crashed the couple’s social media pages.

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Torkelson, a former No. 1 overall pick, has been a cornerstone of the Tigers’ surprising playoff push, and this personal milestone adds a new layer to his narrative. Teammates rallied around him, with shortstop Javier Báez saying, “Spencer’s a leader on and off the field—his kid’s gonna be a legend.” Yet, the name choice has raised eyebrows, with some speculating it’s a marketing ploy tied to Mattei’s influencer brand. Tigers management declined to comment, focusing instead on the team’s upcoming series against the Twins.

The backlash highlights a cultural divide. Naming trends have evolved, but “Xyler Blaze” pushes boundaries, blending a modern twist with a nod to Torkelson’s power-hitting persona. Parenting forums and celebrity gossip sites are buzzing, with one analyst noting, “This could either be a trendsetter or a cautionary tale.” The couple’s decision to reveal the name so early—months before the expected January birth—has only fueled the frenzy, with hashtags like #XylerBlaze and #TorkelsonBaby trending worldwide.

For Torkelson, the announcement comes amid a career resurgence. After struggling in his early MLB years, the 25-year-old has silenced doubters with a breakout season, positioning the Tigers for a wild-card berth. Mattei, known for her lifestyle vlogs, has leveraged the moment to promote a baby product line, further stoking speculation. “We wanted a name that stands out,” Mattei told a local outlet. “It’s our story.”

As the Tigers prepare for a critical homestand, Torkelson’s focus remains split. Fans outside Comerica Park offered mixed reactions, with one saying, “Love the guy, but that name’s wild.” The controversy shows no signs of fading, with memes and hot takes flooding the internet. For now, Torkelson and Mattei stand at the center of a cultural storm, their baby’s name a lightning rod in a season already full of surprises.