This Tigers prospect is blowing Kevin McGonigle out of the water in the AFL

Detroit Tigers top prospect Max Anderson is not on the MLB’s top 100 list, but he is playing like one at the moment.

Anderson has been the best hitter among those representing the Tigers' farm system in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). He ranks top two in average, on-base percentage, slugging and OBP. In a nutshell, he’s been one of the best hitters in the AFL this season.

All eyes are on Kevin McGonigle as the No. 2 prospect in baseball, and the Tigers are confident that he will join the big-league team at some point next year. Currently top 10 in average, on-base percentage, slugging and OBP, McGonigle has been performing well ... just not as good as Anderson.

In a draft with Max Clark and McGonigle, Anderson has shined the most and perhaps received the least amount of attention throughout his time in the minors. The lack of hype has allowed him to silently rise the minor league levels and improve into a polished player. Anderson’s consistency and domination at the plate has separated him from others.

The infielder finished his second full professional year in Triple-A Toledo after being drafted in the second round out of Nebraska in 2023. Listed as 6-foot and 215 pounds, he has the tools to continue his ascension and be considered a contributor for the Tigers in 2026.

Anderson rose from Single-A to High-A quickly after struggling to lift he ball early in his professional career (he was often grounding out). After finding his consistency and power again, he joined Double-A Erie before the postseason and helped them take home their second straight Eastern League championship.

The Tigers No. 9 prospect is seeing the ball well and taking what he’s been given. He is well balanced at the plate equipped with a quick swing similar to Spencer Torkelson’s. The righty is also very good at going the other way with the ball, showing patience at the plate and staying level on his swing. During his time at Nebraska, he showed an excellent ability to hit the ball with impressive power, which got better every year. In his junior year, he led the Big 10 with a .414 batting average and a 1.231 OPS.

His arm is graded at 40 and his fielding is graded at 45, making him an average defender. Playing second and third base, he’ll be just fine in the AFL, but in the big leagues he might need to improve defensively so he can settle into a consistent role.

If anyone can get the most out of him it's AJ Hinch, so it's good that Anderson is putting on a tremendous showcase to close out his 2025 campaign.