Kevin McGonigle Makes MLB History in Tigers-Athletics Game

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DETROIT, MI - JUNE 26: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers scores from second base on a single hit by Dillon Dingler during the fourth inning of a game against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park on June 26, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

The Detroit Tigers have a borderline phenom already in rookie Kevin McGonigle. Although it might be a lost season for the Tigers, Kevin McGonigle has shown serious early returns and has the makings of being a franchise player for several years to come.

Currently, the Tigers are taking on the Athletics in a three-game series. As I’m typing this, the Tigers have a 6-1 lead in the top of the seventh. Detroit is the home team. During the Tigers-Athletics game, Kevin McGonigle made MLB history, and it puts it into perspective how solid he’s been this season.

Update: the Tigers won 6-2 to take the first game of the series against the Athletics.

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Kevin McGonigle Makes MLB History in Athletics Series

MLB Insider Jon Morosi announced that Kevin McGonigle has made MLB history! Morosi wrote:

“History in Detroit tonight: Kevin McGonigle has reached base multiple times on 53 occasions before the All-Star Game. That is a new @MLB record, surpassing the mark set by Aaron Judge in 2017.”

Jon Morosi

@jonmorosi · Follow

History in Detroit tonight:

Kevin McGonigle has reached base multiple times on 53 occasions before the All-Star Game.

That is a new @MLB record, surpassing the mark set by Aaron Judge in 2017.

@MLBNetwork

8:08 pm · 7 Jul 2026

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So far in the Tigers game on Tuesday, Kevin McGonigle is 2-for-3 with 1 RS, 1 BB, and 1 RBI. Just an all-around player who can impact the game in many ways.

Kevin McGonigle’s Rookie Campaign Has Been Excellent

These are not the most up-to-date stats, as the Tigers-Athletics game is still going, but they are subject to get better, and they will, but Kevin McGonigle has put together a phenomenal rookie campaign and should absolutely be the favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year. Heck, he’ll probably get some MVP votes with these numbers.

Across 87 games (387 at-bats), Kevin McGonigle is batting .284 with seven home runs, 18 doubles, three triples. 93 hits, 57 walks (52 k’s), and an OPS+ of 128. All for a rookie, and all those at-bats are his very sample size in the bigs.

Detroit inked their top prospect to a nine-year, $150 million contract this season, and there’s already very good early returns.

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