Tigers get 'sooner rather than later' prediction on top prospect after .990 OPS spring

The Detroit Tigers are looking to be World Series contenders in 2026, in what looks to be Tarik Skubal's final year in Detroit.

To make the most of one of the best pitchers in baseball being on the roster, the Tigers need all of the help they can get, especially in the lineup. That's why they cannot afford to be too picky with who's starting this year. They simply need to win now.

ESPN's Buster Olney predicted that, "sooner rather than later," the Tigers will bring top prospect Kevin McGonigle in the middle of a .990 OPS spring training, to the Majors to be an instant-impact player for the Tigers this season.

Tigers predicted to call up Kevin McGonigle to MLB roster soon

"Kevin McGonigle could play a big role in Detroit this year," Olney writes. "... whether McGonigle opens the season with the tigers or is held back in the minor leagues a couple of weeks - which would delay his free agency by a year - he figures to help Detroit in the big leagues sooner rather than later."

Detroit getting the most out of its 2026 roster is a must. Skubal is in the final year of club control, and even if the Tigers find a way to bring him back, it will be on a massive deal that would restrict their spending elsewhere.

To make sure the Tigers are putting their all into 2026, what might be the last year with Skubal, calling up McGonigle, their top prospect, is a must.

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The 21-year-old has been incredibly impressive this spring, playing great defense at both shortstop and third base, while also providing high-quality offense for the Tigers.

He has a .990 OPS this spring, with a .257 batting average, two home runs, and six RBIs with two stolen bases across 35 at-bats.

McGonigle is one of the highest-ranked prospects in baseball, and he's on the cusp of the Majors. Olney is predicting the superstar prospect will see his spot in the Majors come sooner rather than later this season, as he could be a huge contributor for Detroit in 2026.

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