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.
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Kevin McGonigle Makes MLB History in Athletics Series
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – MAY 22: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates after hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 22, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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.”
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.
@MLBNetworkSo 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
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 31: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers rounds second base before scoring during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on May 31, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
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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Kevin McGonigle Makes Unique MLB History in Tigers-Athletics Game