Jeff Passan's Tigers prediction offers fans a loose timeline to Max Clark's arrival

Tigers No. 2 prospect Max Clark was sent to minor league camp in Detroit's fifth round of spring training roster cuts. It wasn't surprising — there was never any question that he would starting his season in the minors — but it did come after a wave of anti-Clark sentiment that fans blew out of proportion.

The demotion wasn't attitude, demeanor, or work ethic-related. AJ Hinch had only glowing reviews for Clark after he was sent down. He figures to be a big part of the Tigers' picture in the near future, but he's far from ready.

No. 1 prospect Kevin McGonigle is still fighting for a roster spot, and most "bold predictions" that he'll get an Opening Day spot aren't really that bold anymore, but the Tigers might wait until the last minute to actually make a decision.

Jeff Passan predicted something along those lines, but he took it a step further, projecting that McGonigle will be at the top of the Tigers' order come October — and that Clark will be right there alongside him.

Jeff Passan's prediction for Tigers' 2026 season has both Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark in the majors by the postseason

Outside of the fact that Clark clearly isn't ready for the major leagues yet, the Tigers may have Prospect Promotion Incentive-related reasons to hold off on giving him his debut. If McGonigle makes the Opening Day roster, or is called up by April 9, winning AL Rookie of the Year could earn the Tigers an extra draft pick.

If they delay Clark until the very end of the season, so he's still eligible for RoY consideration in 2027, they could be set up to go back-to-back.

The Tigers called up two top prospects at the end of 2024, too. Jace Jung and Trey Sweeney came up together and were carried on both the Wild Card and ALDS rosters. Although neither have worked out (to say the least), McGonigle and Clark's ceilings are already much, much higher.

You never know what might happen before October. Even if the Tigers are in a good spot, maybe Scott Harris will finally go all-in at a trade deadline and get a bat with some thump to carry Detroit past the ALDS. It would take some pressure off of McGonigle and Clark to be the saving graces of the Tigers' offense.

Regardless, we hope Passan's prediction becomes a reality. The Tigers' lineup needs some new blood, and if the front office refuses to pay for it, then top prospects are all we've got.