Tigers’ Kevin McGonigle Earns Opening Day Roster Spot
Updated March 24, 2026, 12:54 p.m. ET
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The Detroit Tigers have announced that Kevin McGonigle will be on the Opening Day roster, the club announced Tuesday afternoon.
McGonigle, selected by the Tigers as the 37th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, was evaluated as a long-term shortstop prospect. While some scouts initially projected a potential move to second or third base, the Tigers are confident in his ability to develop at the shortstop position MLB.com.
Draft and Early Career
The Tigers drafted McGonigle out of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania MLB.com. He signed with the team on July 21, 2023, for $2,850,000, an above-slot deal Wikipedia.
McGonigle split his first professional season between the rookie-level Florida Complex League Tigers and the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers Wikipedia. In 2024, he continued his development, playing for both Lakeland and the High-A West Michigan Whitecaps. He hit .309/.401/.452 with five home runs, 44 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 74 games across both affiliates Wikipedia.
His 2024 season was cut short on August 13th due to a right hamate fracture, requiring surgery Wikipedia.
Recent Performance and Outlook
As of November 2025, McGonigle had a .305 batting average with 19 home runs and 80 RBI in 331 at-bats MiLB.com. He likewise showcased his speed with 10 stolen bases and maintained a .991 OPS. He was named Fall League hitter of the week and demonstrated strong performance in the Arizona Fall League MiLB.com.
McGonigle was a non-roster invitee to spring training in 2026 MiLB.com, and has now secured a spot on the 26-man roster for the start of the season.
Born August 18, 2004, in Aldan, Pennsylvania, McGonigle is a left-handed batter and right-handed thrower Wikipedia.