Seven cool things to know about Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle before MLB debut

Seven cool things to know about Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle before MLB debut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Auditioning for a role at third base, Kevin McGonigle tracked a hard ground ball that appeared destined for the left-field grass at Joker Marchant Stadium. It didn't have a chance. The Detroit Tigers rookie infielder dived to his left and corralled the ball, robbing New York Yankees prospect Jasson Dominguez. 

“Five-four-three double play. We’ve been watching him make plays all spring long,” Tigers broadcaster Dan Dickerson said immediately after witnessing the play.

Dickerson should plan on describing more plays like the one on March 21 in Lakeland, Florida. 

McGonigle received an invitation to join the Tigers’ Opening Day roster and is expected to make his MLB debut Thursday against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park. The 21-year-old infielder likely will open his career by splitting time at shortstop and third base.  

Here are seven cool things to know about McGonigle as he embarks on his MLB journey: 

Rookie Kevin McGonigle prepped in Penn. 

• As a youth, McGonigle’s father, Kevin, helped him construct a three-wheel Jugs pitching machine that could be altered to deliver spit-fingered fastballs. 
• A marine biologist, Kevin McGonigle works close to the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.
• The 2023 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year, McGonigle had planned to attend Auburn University before accepting the Tigers’ over-slot $2.847 million offer to join their system. It’s proving to be a worthy investment. 
• Since being drafted 37th overall in '23, McGonigle compiled a .308 minor-league batting average over 818 at-bats. He continues to display improvement at each level. After being promoted to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves in 2025, he proceeded to earn the Midwest League Top MLB Prospect Award. 
• Coming out of high school, McGonigle received elite hit-tool grades from Baseball America, earning an 80 on a 20-80 scale. The previous prospect to receive a perfect score was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2018.  
• A lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan, McGonigle once got an autographed baseball from former great Ryan Howard.  
• His favorite player growing up was ex-Phillies infielder Chase Utley.