Tigers Top Prospect Kevin McGonigle Faces Big-League Pitching Challenge

Young slugger getting a crash course in how MLB pitchers will attack his weaknesses

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:34pm

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Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle is getting a firsthand look at how Major League pitchers will exploit his perceived weaknesses, as he has seen very few fastballs and instead faced a steady diet of off-speed and breaking pitches during spring training games. While McGonigle has struggled at the plate recently, his manager AJ Hinch is giving him grace, noting the 22-year-old is facing seasoned veterans like Max Scherzer who have years of experience dominating hitters at the highest level.

Why it matters

McGonigle is considered one of the Tigers' top prospects and a key part of their future plans. How he adjusts to the advanced pitching he's facing in spring training will be a strong indicator of his readiness for the big leagues and whether he needs more minor league seasoning before being called up.

The details

In a recent game against the Blue Jays, McGonigle drew two walks and made some nice defensive plays at third base, but he also struck out three times against former Tiger Max Scherzer, who punched him out on three pitches, the last two being nasty curveballs. Hinch noted that as young hitters get closer to the regular season, they see a "complete change" as scouting reports get more detailed and pitchers attack their weaknesses.

  • On Saturday, McGonigle faced Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer.
  • Over the last week or so, McGonigle has seen very few fastballs and instead faced a steady diet of off-speed and breaking pitches.

The players

Kevin McGonigle

The Tigers' top prospect, a 22-year-old third baseman who is getting a crash course in how Major League pitchers will attack his weaknesses.

AJ Hinch

The Tigers' manager, who is giving McGonigle grace as he faces seasoned veterans like Max Scherzer early in spring training.

Max Scherzer

A former Tiger and current Blue Jays starter who struck out McGonigle three times, including twice on nasty curveballs.

Matt Vierling

A 29-year-old Tigers outfielder who also struggled against Scherzer but then recovered to hit a pair of doubles and drive in two runs.

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What they’re saying

“It's getting close to the in-season style where there's not a lot of free pitches. Starters are going five and six innings. Scouting reports are starting to be paved. Young hitters are going to see a complete change.”

— AJ Hinch, Tigers Manager

“Kevin was 4 when Max broke in. That puts it in perspective. His whole life of watching baseball, Scherzer has been at the highest level and dominating and paving his way to Cooperstown.”

— AJ Hinch, Tigers Manager

What’s next

As McGonigle continues to face advanced pitching in spring training, the Tigers will closely monitor his adjustments and determine if he needs more minor league seasoning before being called up to the big leagues.

The takeaway

This experience for the Tigers' top prospect highlights the challenges young hitters face when transitioning to Major League pitching, as they must quickly adapt to how veteran pitchers will attack their weaknesses. McGonigle's ability to make these adjustments will be crucial to his future success at the highest level.