Kevin McGonigle wasted no time showing why he’s considered one of the best prospects in baseball.
Batting second and starting at shortstop, the Detroit Tigers’ top prospect delivered a loud first impression in Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
In the first inning, McGonigle jumped on a 100.5 mph four-seam fastball, lining a sharp single into left field. He later crossed the plate after a defensive miscue two batters later, giving Detroit early momentum.
Kevin McGoingle gets the first hit for the Tigers in the spring, a sharp single to left. pic.twitter.com/nHWkfKm9Pe
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) February 21, 2026
McGonigle’s second trip to the plate resulted in a soft lineout to right field before his day ended early, as he was pinch-hit for in the fifth inning — a typical spring training move designed to spread reps across the roster.
Still, the swing told the story.
Facing elite velocity in his first official spring training at-bat, McGonigle showed the advanced bat-to-ball skills and calm approach that have fast-tracked him into Detroit’s long-term infield plans.
Don Drysdale
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