Certain baseball prospects rise to a level where nothing is going to stand in their way once they’re ready.
Detroit Tigers shortstop phenom Kevin McGonigle is that level of prospect.
The Tigers may not have a spot for McGonigle, but when you’re as highly regarded as him, that matters less.
When a player like McGonigle proves worthy of being in the big leagues, his club will find a place for him to play.
MORE: How Jose Ramirez is on pace to become Cleveland’s Derek Jeter
That’s how things are shaping up for McGonigle right now as the Tigers get spring training underway.
“McGonigle, No. 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list, might have a chance to play his way onto the Opening Day roster in his first Major League camp,” writes MLB.com’s Jared Greenspan in a new article on Saturday. “Sure, there’s not a clear spot for the 21-year-old in the Tigers’ infield, but these situations tend to work themselves out. McGonigle continues to turn heads, most recently winning MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League. Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris has said that McGonigle will play quite a bit of shortstop this spring, after playing primarily third base in the AFL. His short-term positional fit is worth keeping an eye on.”
MORE: Luis Arraez is MLB’s perfect misfit in 2026
As it stands, the Tigers likely have Colt Keith at third base, Zach McKinstry at shortstop and Gleyber Torres at second base.
None of those guys would be insurmountable by McGonigle when he’s ready. McKinstry’s versatility actually helps here, too, because he can fill in all around the diamond.
So for Tigers fans anticipating McGonigle’s arrival — it appears to be coming soon. Get ready for a rising star to join the Detroit lineup.
