Tigers Top Prospect Considered MLB-Ready After Stunning 2025 Campaign

This Detroit Tigers' top prospect is approaching a potentially successful 2026 season in the Majors

Jul 30, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; The hat and glove of Detroit Tigers right fielder Robbie Grossman (8) sits on the ledge of the dugout during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. | Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers continue to navigate this offseason with careful movement, but compared to some of the other Major League franchises, they have been rather quiet as of late. Instead, they seem to be focusing on some of their younger stars who could have breakout performances next year.

The Tigers are in the company of one of today's top prospects in Major League Baseball — Kevin McGonigle. Ranked No. 2 overall, just below the Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin, and No. 1 for the Tigers, the 21-year-old shortstop has a defined path to a successful career in MLB.

His defensive awareness and ability to hit have made him a top prize in the farm system. Drafted in 2023 by Detroit, McGonigle quickly rose to the top of the prospect rankings. Of course, there's still plenty of room for development, but this could be the year for him to shine.

McGonigle Ready for Center Stage

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

During his 2025 campaign, McGonigle slashed .305/.408/.583 and recorded 19 homers with 80 RBIs across 88 games. Adding to the mix, his performance in the Arizona Fall League was nothing short of impressive. By the end of the season, he had slashed .362/.500/.710 with a 1.210 OPS, registering five homers and 19 RBIs along the way. Due to the numbers he posted, he was named the AFL's Most Valuable Player.

According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, McGonigle is Detroit's most MLB-ready top prospect, which, considering his stats, doesn't come as a major surprise. The looming question is, when will he get his time to shine?

The Tigers are known for giving young talent a chance, and this likely stands true heading into 2026. However, Reuter only gives him a 55% chance of making the Opening Day roster, but as he stated, "... no one on the left side of Detroit's infield will stand in his way if he is deemed big league-ready."

McGonigle has defined himself as having great potential in professional baseball, but it's unclear how large his role will be next season. With that said, one thing is apparent: he is certainly ready for the Major Leagues. His stats are telling, but so are his instincts around the diamond and at the plate — irreplaceable qualities in baseball.

Ideally, McGonigle will enter 2026 with as much drive and momentum as he displayed last year and in the Arizona Fall League. Only time will tell if he's truly MLB-ready in 2026.