While the Detroit Tigers couldn't get past the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS, their 2025 season was a huge step in the right direction. There is plenty to be optimistic about, especially with a 2026 season that could feature another deep playoff run.
But first comes the offseason. Detroit will have plenty of questions that need to be answered, from whether they want to re-sign their free agents or acquire talent by way of trade or free agent signings.
During his end-of-year press conference, Tigers general manager Scott Harris teased a couple of very exciting decisions for the 2026 season. As Tigers ML Report shared on Twitter/X, Detroit is expected to make a few exciting prospect decisions during the 2026 MLB season.
Tigers GM reveals exciting decision on top prospects for 2026 season
"I expect the players that posted dominant years in Double-A to factor into our big league team next year. They earned it," Harris said. "I expect their progress to continue, and I expect them to be in Detroit at some point next year."
Scott Harris: “I expect the players that posted dominant years in Double-A to factor into our big league team next year…” pic.twitter.com/X1P6ZW6rI3
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) October 13, 2025
The Tigers have a few players who fit this description who would be very exciting call-ups for the 2026 season. Top prospect Kevin McGonigle, who's very highly ranked across MLB prospect rankings, is a player who perfectly fits this description.
The 21-year-old surged through the Tigers' farm system this season, reaching Double-A, playing 46 games, and posting a .919 OPS with a .254 batting average and 12 home runs to go with 41 RBIs and 10 doubles.
McGonigle is an incredible prospect and could factor into the Tigers' infield in 2026. He'll likely get a chance in Spring Training, and if he thrives there, keeping him off the MLB Opening Day roster would be tough.
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Another name to watch is Max Clark, a 20-year-old outfield prospect who, in 43 games at Double-A, hit .251 with a .799 OPS. While not as great as McGonigle's production this season, he was still very impressive and deserves a chance on the MLB roster.
Josue Briceno, a first baseman and catcher, had a .716 OPS in 45 games at Double-A, while Bryce Rainer had an. 831 OPS in 35 Double-A games, both of which could be players to monitor as MLB call-ups.
While there are plenty of prospects who are deserving of call-ups, the two that stand out the most are Clark and McGonigle. Both are highly ranked prospects by MLB Pipeline and would be great additions to the lineup in 2026 for Detroit.
But who actually will get the call? As Harris said, "Does that affect what we do this winter? Absolutely. How could it not?" So, the likelihood that one of these top prospects gets called up could be dictated by what the Tigers do in free agency.
If the Tigers add infield help, McGonigle's MLB debut might have to wait. The same could be said for Clark and outfield help. But, if Harris and the Tigers don't add either position, both Clark and McGonigle could be early call-ups to the Major League roster.
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