Drafted 37th in the now legendary 2023 MLB Draft, Kevin McGonigle is the No. 2-ranked prospect in all of baseball. His tools are enough to make the biggest scouts and baseball experts drool. McGonigle received his first big league invite to spring training and has not disappointed. Sure, he has faced live pitching in batting practice and has worked in the infield, but it is his approach and tools that have been showing.
Depending on the scout, Kevin McGonigle’s hit tools are either a 60 or 70; he is widely regarded as the best hitting prospect of the 2020’s at just 21 years old. The Detroit Tigers, since 2018, have gained a reputation as an organization that drafts and develops players, but the organization has not done a good job of.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA – MARCH 12, 2025: Kevin McGonigle #84 of the Detroit Tigers throws to first base during the eighth inning of a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2025 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The Tigers sent McGonigle to the Arizona Fall League last year with the focus on his defense. He is viewed in the long-term as a second basemen but has played short stop and third base in the past. He is playing SS for the Tigers this spring. He does not have standout defensive tools, but he does have some “fringy” tools. McGonigle has range limitations, which is why he is viewed at 2B. Also, he tends to have a two-step transfer that slows plays to first base. That can be corrected and will be if Detroit feels he can play SS regularly.
With a bat in his hands, McGonigle can be a huge part of the Tigers future lineup. He drives the ball to all areas, his plate discipline makes him a menace to pitchers, and he has power. In 2025, McGonigle was named MVP of the Arizona Fall League, slashing .362/.500/.710 with 19 walks and just 12 strikeouts. A 19.4% walk rate and 11.6% strikeout rate. This moves McGonigle into the elite category in plate discipline.
Tampa, FL – AUG 14: Detroit Tigers Outfielders Kevin McGonigle (4) at bat during the MiLB Florida Complex League (rookie) regular season game between the FCL Tigers and the FCL Yankees on August 14, 2023, at Yankees Minor League Complex in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
At 5′ 10″, McGonigle is a tough out; the power he has added to his hit tool shows a future 30-home run player. He will be a big bat in the top half of the Tigers lineup for a long time to come. He is considered the odds-on favorite for Rookie of the Year in MLB at +700 to +900 odds.
