Widely regarded as the best hitter in Minor League Baseball, Kevin McGonigle was quite the prospect riser in 2025. A first round comp pick to the Tigers in 2023, the 5’10” infielder’s first full season in 2024 was a breakout of sorts, but he took his game to a completely new level in 2025. Among all qualified full-season hitters, his .991 OPS ranked second while his 182 wRC+ ranked first overall. He spent the majority of the season at Double-A Erie but also played 36 games at High-A West Michigan where he posted a 215 wRC+, a mark that led the level by a wide margin among hitters with at least 100 plate appearances. McGonigle’s boost in production large in part came from his improved power. He hit a career high 19 home runs compared to just five a year ago, and 12 of them came at Double-A against the highest level of pitching he has seen to this point. The contact skills are undeniable, but he will likely grow into some more power and already has tremendous feel for the barrel and possesses an elite ability to drive the ball to all fields.

The question marks for McGonigle coming into 2025 were surrounding his defense. They were not questions asking whether or not he would be a good defender, but rather where his best fit would be. Due to his size and arm strength, it seemed like second base would be his long-term home, but he did show some improved ability at shortstop in 2026 where he played the majority of his games. McGonigle’s bat is so good that he’s just going to plug in at whichever infield position is available when the Tigers want to call him up in order to get his bat in the lineup. He has not played third base in his professional career, but that has been floated as a potential landing spot for when he arrives in the big leagues.

Draft: 2023, Round 1, 37th Ovr - School: Monsignor Bonner HS (PA)

5’10” 187 lbs, 21.6 years old (08/18/2004)