Detroit Tigers may have a hidden gem in '23 draftee Kevin McGonigle

Detroit Tigers investing in the long term with Kevin McGonigle.

The Detroit Tigers took a flier on Kevin McGonigle with their competitive balance round pick from the 2023 MLB Draft. He was the 37th overall selection in the draft, and there is a lot to like from the Pennsylvania native. He may not be someone that the Tigers faithful are really looking at, with Max Clark stealing the spotlight.

However, the Detroit Tigers fans should be thrilled with McGonigle and what he brings to the table. He's only been with the team since the 2023 draft concluded, but he already got to work and has continued working on his development, beginning his "Road to Detroit."

McGonigle is a 5-foot-10, 187-pound frame. He's smaller, but it's a compact build with athleticism and strength in the core, something you can see when he's at the plate. McGonigle is a middle infielder by nature, likely looking at a career playing second base. Though he may get some attempts at playing shortstop on his Road to Detroit.

On the dirt, McGonigle moves well. He stays low to the ground, funneling through the middle of his body with a shorter arm stroke through release. He shuffles through throws well and stays pretty balanced and fluid with his movements. It's something he's done since his prep days and something the Tigers are working to continue improving on. As mentioned, they are trying to work him in at shortstop, and he has the control as an athletic mover to stick on the dirt.

In the box, McGonigle swings it from the left side, and the intrigue will be bat-to-ball, with strength through contact. He's got that compact frame but generates some power as he rotates through the swing. There's plenty to like about McGonigle's abilities in the batters' box.

It's a shorter stroke from the left side, staying slightly hunched as he sets up with a leg lift and quick trigger to turn and burn through contact. Detroit is already working to put McGonigle's bat to good use. If the development path is beneficial to McGonigle, there's potential for budding power that could turn into some serious juice down the line. He's got an exceptional feel for the barrel and can work uphill through contact to drive the ball in the air.

Detroit will work on McGonigle's tools as he works on his way to the big leagues. McGonigle's got a long way to go, but he's certainly one of the brighter talents within the Tigers organization.