MLB Pipeline’s Kevin McGonigle prediction makes Tigers fans want to see his debut yesterday

Kevin McGonigle has been a highly-touted prospect since being drafted 37th overall in 2023. After a strong minor league season in 2024, he rose to the top spot in the Tigers' prospect rankings and the No. 2 spot in all of baseball. He's expected to make his debut in 2026 and the front office already seems excited about what he'll be able to accomplish in spring training. But with all of the hype and numbers to back it up, he's anticipated to do much more than simply debut next year.

Kevin McGonigle is being tabbed as a favorite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award

MLB Pipeline recently polled baseball executives on who they thought would be the most likely player to win the Rookie of the Year award in each league. McGonigle was tied with Trey Yesavage for the top spot, both earning 25% of the total vote. He beat out other marquee names like Samuel Basallo, Max Clark, and Colt Emerson.

Statistically, this outcome should be unsurprising. Despite being just 21 years old, his numbers across the 2025 minor league season were a sight to behold. He posted a 182 wRC+ across 397 plate appearances split between High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie. He had a walk rate of 14.9% against a strikeout rate of just 11.6% thanks to his swinging strike rate of just 7.7%. His 70-grade hit tool is what scouts have loved the most about him but his power isn't too shabby either. He slugged .583 thanks to his 31 doubles and 19 home runs.

He carried over this momentum into the Arizona Fall League where he posted a 1.210 OPS over 90 plate appearances and was rewarded with MVP honors.

Detroit hasn't done much this offseason, especially when it comes to bolstering their infield, but the front office could simply be waiting on their young talent to mature. Along with McGonigle, exciting talent like Max Clark and Josue Briceño aren't too far off. The team is already anticipating a position battle to fill the role of third base and although the Tigers already have Javier Báez and Trey Sweeney slotted in at shortstop, neither individual has nearly the same upside as McGonigle.

In 2025, Detroit's shortstops combined for 1.4 fWAR, 24th in MLB. The Tigers haven't had a rich history of talent at the position and the last time it was a position of significant impact for them was arguably in 2006 when Carlos Guillén had a season worth 6.0 rWAR. Talented prospects don't always translate perfectly into the big leagues but based on what we've seen out of him, McGonigle absolutely has what it takes to be this franchise's next big thing.