This is the easiest update on the list. Not only is Kevin McGonigle in the Majors, but he is thriving. With only 93 games of service time (at the time of writing this), McGonigle is an All-Star. He stood among the game’s best at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, just 13 miles from his hometown of Media, Pennsylvania.

McGonigle posted a .283 average, 8 homers, 34 RBIs and an .812 OPS in the first half of his standout rookie campaign. He also added 60 walks, 11 stolen bases, 18 doubles, and a 4.6 WAR. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite players in baseball and an offensive leader for a Detroit Tigers team that is trying to find their way back into the playoff race.

Whether or not the Tigers will trade Tarik Skubal at the deadline (I think they should, but that’s a whole other blog post – stay tuned), I don’t believe they are a legitimate championship contender in 2026, but Kevin McGonigle is a big reason I believe they will be in 2027 and beyond. One of the things I pointed out in McGonigle’s initial Prospect Spotlight is his elite hitting ability and plate discipline. Personally, that is one of my favorite attributes in a hitter. So far in 2026, McGonigle has almost as many strikeouts as walks, but I mostly attribute that to his acclimation to the Major League level. As he gains experience, I expect him to go right back to drawing far more walks.

The Tigers also have Max Clark waiting on deck in their farm system, and he make make an appearance when rosters expand. Additionally, Detroit selected RHP Cameron Flukey from Coastal Carolina with the 22nd pick. Even before the draft, it was believed that Flukey could advance through the minors quickly. That and any farm system compensation they get back from any potential trades at the deadline- wink wink – should set the Detroit Tigers up pretty well.

Kevin McGonigle is a future batting champion and team captain for sure, and I for one can’t wait to see how brightly his star shines.