The big-league roster for the Detroit Tigers is coming into focus with an Opening Day matchup against the San Diego Padres on Thursday, March 26, on the horizon.
The Tigers announced on Monday, March 9, that they’ve reassigned outfielder Max Clark to minor-league camp. Infielder Hao-Yu Lee was optioned to Triple-A, while catcher Thayron Liranzo was optioned to Double-A. Clark, Lee, and Liranzo are consensus top 10 prospects in the Detroit system. MLB.com ranks them at No. 2, No. 6, and No. 7, respectively.
Top prospect Kevin McGonigle is still in MLB spring training with 17 days until Opening Day.
The biggest development among the moves may be a name that isn’t on the list. Shortstop Kevin McGonigle remains in big-league camp with the club. The top prospect is pushing for a spot on the major league roster to begin the 2026 regular season. McGonigle is among the highest-rated youngsters in the league, right up there with Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jesus Made of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Detroit Tigers Announce Prospect News, Kevin McGonigle Remains With MLB Squad
McGonigle has certainly done all he can to make his case to open the season in the big leagues. The 21-year-old has hit .353 with three extra-base hits and a stolen base across nine Spring Training games. McGonigle went 3-for-3 in an exhibition game against Team Dominican Republic, including a majestic home run to lead off the matchup.
If McGonigle does make the squad, he’d be leapfrogging Triple-A en route to the majors. The infielder closed the 2025 campaign at Double-A. He slashed .254/.369/.550 in 46 games at the level. McGonigle hit 12 home runs and stole seven bases with Erie. The shortstop continued to dominate after the minor league season ended, heading to the Arizona Fall League to rack up more production. McGonigle hit .362 with five home runs in the AFL, earning MVP honors.
Clark is on the verge of an MLB promotion as well, though he scuffled during spring action. The outfielder managed just two hits in nine games while striking out at a bloated 26.3% clip. Clark was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He delivered a 148 wRC+ between High-A and Double-A last season. A strong start to the minor league campaign could lead to a big-league call-up sometime this year.
Where Does Kevin McGonigle Fit on the Tigers’ Roster?
McGonigle has spent the majority of his professional career playing shortstop. He’s also made 28 appearances at second base. Scouts project McGonigle as a borderline shortstop at the big-league level. FanGraphs gives him a 40 current grade and a 50 future grade at the position. McGonigle may be better suited for second or third base, but the Tigers have a hole at shortstop.
If McGonigle starts the year in the minors, Detroit is looking at a combination of Zach McKinstry and Javier Baez at shortstop. Trey Sweeney could also factor in if he makes the team. Baez played almost as much outfield as he did infield last season, which is likely his best route toward competent defense. McKinstry is best suited for a versatile utility role. He was worth +4 Defensive Runs Saved at shortstop last season, but could also slot in at third base, corner outfield, or DH. None of Baez, McKinstry, or Sweeney is the type of slam-dunk option to keep McGonigle in the minors.
Tigers Give Major Prospect Updates As Opening Day Nears