Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle is rated the No. 2 overall prospect by MLBPipeline.com.
McGonigal is a left-handed hitter with a tool rating of 70. MLBPipeline.com.
A 70-grade hit also equates to solid All-Star batting average and offensive efficiency.
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But for the parent Tigers, McGonigal is special not only because of his batting average, but because he also has 60-grade power, well above the major league average.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 15: No. 6 Kevin McGonigle of the National League team bats during the MLB-USA Baseball High School All-American Game at Dodger Stadium on Friday, July 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photo via Getty Images)
MLB photo via Getty Images
About Kevin McGonigal:
When McGonigal was a high school freshman, he decided to play baseball at Auburn University.
but…
The Detroit Tigers selected McGonigal in the supplemental first round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Bishop Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hills, Pennsylvania.
As a senior, McGonigal was named the Philadelphia Catholic League Player of the Year and the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year. He batted .474 with four home runs and 16 RBIs in 21 games.
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The Tigers signed McGonigal with a $2.85 million bonus, higher than MLB’s suggested $2.31 million.
MLBPipeline.com Shared the fact that McGonigal suffered a right hamate fracture in 2024 and a right ankle sprain in 2025. However, McGonigal appears to be fully fit and eager to leave.
fangraphs.com McGonigal is listed as the Tigers’ opening day starting shortstop.
McGonigal won the 2025 Midwest League Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award.
MESA, AZ – NOVEMBER 4: Kevin McGonigal #9 of the Scottsdale Scorpions hits a solo home run during the first inning of the game between the Scottsdale Scorpions and Mesa Sun Sox at Sloan Park on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB via Getty Images)
MLB photo via Getty Images
Scout Kevin McGonigal:
McGonigal is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 187 pounds, so he doesn’t have a huge frame. But he can rake.
McGonigal won the 2025 Arizona Fall League MVP award when he batted .363/.500/.710 with five homers and 22 runs in 19 games. He walks more than he goes out.
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McGonigal was called by several scouts the best “pure” hitter in all of minor league baseball.
McGonigal’s attack on baseball starts with excellent pitch recognition. He’s patient at the plate, knows his limitations, and chooses shots where he can get through gaps.
With excellent shot command, McGonigal can shoot the ball all over the court and even over the fence.
On defense, scouts are conflicted about McGonigal’s ideal position.
While he can play shortstop, his footwork and first step may be better suited at second base.
McGonigle’s arm strength is average, and his pitching at shortstop may lack some power and ball-carrying ability.
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Left-handed center infielders with a great hitting tool and emerging power are rare. But that’s McGonigal.
LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 22: Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch (14) smiles and salutes the opposing team’s manager before a spring training game between the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire photo via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
What they said about McGonigal:
McGonigal told justbaseball.com”, “Growing up, my dad always told me, when it comes to baseball, to be ready for every opportunity, no matter what position it is,” McGonigal said.
msn.com said of manager AJ Hinch’s comments: “That’s why you wait to hit the ball because good things can happen.”
SI.com also reported these comments from Hinch: “He’s taking a hard look at where he fits in with guys that he’s never played with or played with, and he’s sticking to his guns and he’s a very talented player,” Hinch said. “At some point, he’s going to be a major leaguer, whether it’s Opening Day or during the season.”
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Scout Level: 65
With a huge hitting tool and emerging power, Kevin McGonigal could become a consistent All-Star in Major League Baseball. He’s just that good.
By the time you read this, McGonigal may have been named Opening Day shortstop.
