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Tigers' Future SS: Prospect McGonigle Takes the Infield
17 Feb
Summary
- Kevin McGonigle, 21, is projected to win the Tigers' shortstop position.
- McGonigle ranked second among MLB top prospects after a strong minor league season.
- He posted a .991 OPS with 19 homers in 88 games during his 2025 minor league campaign.
The Detroit Tigers have significantly strengthened their starting rotation with key acquisitions for the upcoming season. However, the shortstop position remains a point of competition, with four primary candidates vying for the role. These include established players like Javier Báez and emerging talents such as Trey Sweeney, Zach McKinstry, and Kevin McGonigle.
Industry projections favor 21-year-old Kevin McGonigle to claim the starting shortstop job. McGonigle, drafted in 2023, rapidly ascended to become Major League Baseball's second-ranked prospect. He is expected to make his professional debut soon, potentially early in the season.
McGonigle's minor league performance has been exceptional. In the 2025 season, he batted .305 with a .991 OPS and 19 home runs across 88 games. His previous 2024 campaign also showed promise with a .853 OPS. While Báez, Sweeney, and McKinstry return after starting all of last season's shortstop games, they are seen as placeholders for McGonigle's eventual arrival.
