The Detroit Tigers organization has been pleased with the way prospect shortstop Kevin McGonigle has performed in the minor leagues during the 2025 minor league baseball season. McGonigle has played for three different minor league teams, and he is currently with the Erie Seawolves in Double-A.
McGonigle has played so well in the minor leagues over the last month that Detroit fans were hoping that the Tigers would call him up to the MLB in September. It appears as if that will have to wait another day for the organization to do so. Is there a chance that McGonigle can make the Tigers opening day roster during the 2026 MLB season?
MLB Insider Believes that the Detroit Tigers Top Prospect Kevin McGonigle Will Appear in the MLB Level Soon
There is a reason why McGonigle has played for three different minor league teams this year. He has performed well with all of the teams he played for. McGonigle was the 37th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft for Detroit.
MLB insider Jim Bowden for the Athletic has the Tigers top prospect as the third-best prospect in the MLB. He believes that McGonigle is going to be with Detroit sooner rather than later. Bowden said,
"McGonigle has arguably the best hit tool among all the top prospects on this list. He has elite bat-to-ball skills, rarely striking out, and has the ability to hit both high velocity and nasty breaking balls. He has posted tremendous exit velocity numbers and should end up with well-above-average power. He also has above-average speed. Although he has the ability to stay at shortstop, he could also be an option for the Tigers at second or third base, wherever their biggest need is at the time of his debut. He’ll be fast to the big leagues and has a strong chance of winning a batting title someday."
The 21-year-old prospect bats from the left side of the plate and he also throws right-handed. With three different minor league teams in 2025, McGonigle has appeared in 80 games. He has a .308 batting average with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs, along with nine stolen bases. His on-base percentage is .412.
McGonigle is projected to reach the MLB level in 2026. There is no doubt that the Tigers are going to give him a serious look in spring training next year. There is a good chance that he could make the Opening Day roster for Detroit. If he does not make the Opening Day roster for the team, McGonigle will most likely start next season in Triple-A with the Toledo Mud Hens.
If he is in Toledo to start next season, it wouldn't be a surprise because he proved that he is too good to stay in Erie. It would be a surprise if McGonigle was not with the Tigers by Memorial Day Weekend of the 2026 MLB season.
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