Former GM Jim Bowden Says This Top Prospect Should Be Next Up for Long-Term Deal

This would seem like a smart move

Jul. 22, 2008; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden before the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

A couple of teams have signed some of their top prospects to lucrative contract extensions this week before they've even made their big league debuts. But there are still a few other up-and-coming talents that teams should look to lock up long-term, at least according to one former MLB general manager.

On a recent episode of the Foul Territory podcast, MLB insider and former GM Jim Bowden named some prospects currently in the majors that he'd immediately consider making big-money extension offers to. And at the top of the list for him was Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle.

"We've been comparing him to Chase Utley forever, but he's got a little Tony Gwynn and Wade Boggs in him," Bowden said about McGonigle, MLB Pipeline's No. 2 overall prospect for 2026. "Short, compact to the ball. Love the swing, he barrels it up. This guy's a hitter. He's going to win a batting title in his career, there's no doubt in my mind."

Bowden also mentioned Cincinnati Reds corner infielder Sal Stewart, St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt, and Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter as three other rookies that teams may want to start discussing extensions with. But he made it clear at the end of this segment that "McGonigle's my guy of all of them."

There's been a lot to like about Kevin McGonigle in his first few MLB games

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) gets ready to hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

That's high praise from Bowden, comparing McGonigle to Gwynn, Boggs, and Utley. And even though he's only played a handful of games in the big leagues, the 21-year-old has lived up to the hype so far. Through his first five major league games, the lefty-swinging infielder has six hits, five RBIs, and four runs scored in 18 at-bats. He also already has a game-winning hit, showing early signs of an ability to produce in the clutch.

Regardless of whether the Tigers actually consider extending McGonigle at this point, the concept of signing young prospects to long-term deals is seemingly gaining steam across the league. Minor leaguers like Seattle Mariners infielder Colt Emerson and Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt both inked eight-year extensions this week, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have reportedly had contract talks with No. 1 prospect Konnor Griffin. Many baseball fans will likely be curious to see if this trend continues throughout the rest of the season.