While the 2025 Detroit Tigers were a great story halfway through the season, a second-half collapse nearly ended in disaster. But a salvaged AL Wild Card round, and an instant classic ALDS vs. The Seattle Mariners saved 2025 from being a disaster.
After that disappointing 2025 season, the Tigers look forward to a 2026 season in what could be Tarik Skubal's final year with the Tigers. To make the most of his last year in Detroit, top Tigers prospect Kevin McGonigle is likely to be called up to the Majors.
ESPN's Jeff Passan, in anticipation of such a move, shared a very bold prediction for McGonigle on Threads. It's a bold prediction, but for the Tigers and their fans, it would be the ideal outcome for McGonigle in 2026.
ESPN's Jeff Passan makes bold Kevin McGonigle prediction
When asked by a fan what Passan would predict for the NL and AL Rookies of the Year, he chose Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin for the NL, and McGonigle for the AL: "Always bet on talent," Passan writes.
If the Tigers could get McGonigle up to the Major Leagues in 2026, and he plays well enough, and for long enough, that he's the AL Rookie of the Year, it would be a complete success for 2026.
The 21-year-old is a top, if not the top, prospect in all of baseball entering the 2026 season. Griffin is right there alongside him.
Both winning their leagues' rookie of the year award would be ideal for both the Pirates and the Tigers.
More: Tigers' trade plan for Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark revealed by MLB insider
But, for Detroit, getting ROTY production from McGonigle would mean the Tigers likely have a great record and are back in the postseason in 2026.
McGonigle winning this award isn't far-fetched. In 2025, across three levels (Single-A for six games, High-A for 36, and Double-A for 46), he hit an impressive.305 with a.991 OPS.
He had 19 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases to go with his overall incredible offensive production in 2025.
In his minor league career, since 2023, and across 183 total games, McGonigle is hitting.308 with a.922 OPS.
He's a huge piece of the Tigers' future, and could be called up as soon as the 2026 season. And if Passan's prediction were to come true, it would be a massive boost for the Tigers in 2026, and likely beyond if McGonigle lives up to his immense potential.
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