Tigers Giving Top Prospect McGonigle Reps with Big League Infield

Early promotion could be in the works after strong spring training showing

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Detroit Tigers are giving top prospect Kevin McGonigle, a 21-year-old infielder, reps with the big league infield during spring training, signaling he could be in line for an early promotion to the majors this season. McGonigle, ranked as the #2 prospect in baseball, has impressed the organization and is learning from veteran shortstop Javier Báez.

Why it matters

The Tigers have been cautious about setting expectations for McGonigle's MLB debut, but his inclusion with the big league infield during workouts suggests the team believes he is ready to contribute sooner rather than later. This could mean an early-season promotion for the young slugger, which would be a major boost for the Tigers' lineup.

The details

During the Tigers' full squad workout on Sunday, McGonigle was practicing with the big league infielders, taking reps at shortstop alongside Javier Báez. This is a clear indication that the Tigers see McGonigle as a key part of their plans for the 2026 season, even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster. With Colt Keith expected to be the everyday third baseman, McGonigle's best path to early playing time could be in a shortstop platoon with the veteran Báez.

  • The Tigers held their full squad workout on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • McGonigle is ranked as the #2 prospect in baseball heading into the 2026 season.

The players

Kevin McGonigle

A 21-year-old infielder and top prospect in the Detroit Tigers' system, ranked #2 overall in baseball.

Javier Báez

A veteran shortstop for the Detroit Tigers, known for his elite defensive skills at the position.

Colt Keith

An infielder in the Tigers' system who is expected to be the everyday third baseman for the big league club in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Kevin McGonigle, the No. 2 prospect in baseball was not with the other young players – because Hinch put him in the group of big-league infielders on one of the backfields at TigerTown. McGonigle took turns with Javier Báez at shortstop.”

— Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press reporter (Detroit Free Press)

“Javy is an unbelievable player, an unbelievable shortstop. Just having him right in front of me, learning how he plays shortstop, is going to help me...I definitely was seeing his foot patterns – how he attacked different balls. Then, I would copy the same thing after him. Watching is the best way I learn.”

— Kevin McGonigle (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Tigers will continue to evaluate McGonigle's performance in spring training games, and a strong showing could earn him a spot on the Opening Day roster. More likely, he will start the season in Triple-A and get called up before the summer, but the organization's willingness to work him in with the big league infielders indicates he is close to making his MLB debut.

The takeaway

The Tigers' decision to have top prospect Kevin McGonigle practice with the big league infield, including veteran shortstop Javier Báez, signals the organization's belief that the young slugger is ready to contribute at the highest level sooner rather than later. This could mean an early-season promotion for McGonigle, which would be a major boost for the Tigers as they look to contend in 2026.