Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle shines in debut, deserves to top batting order originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Rookie Kevin McGonigle wasted no time proving he belonged higher in the Detroit Tigers’ batting order.
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Making his MLB debut Thursday against the San Diego Padres, McGonigle delivered a two-run double on the first pitch of his initial at-bat.
During his second time in the batter’s box, the 2023 No. 37 overall draft pick lined a 2-2 pitch off the right-field wall, missing a home run by a few feet.
On his third at-bat, his big swing resulted in a slow roller to shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who failed to aggressively charge the play. His barehanded attempt wasn’t close.
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McGonigle claimed a spot on the Tigers’ Opening Day roster through his dogged, fundamentally sound play during spring training.
He debuted Thursday, batting No. 6 in the Tigers’ batting order.
How long will Tigers manager A.J. Hinch hold off until moving McGonigle into the leadoff spot?
Rookie Kevin McGonigle ripe to move up in order
One start of his MLB career, McGonigle continues to display elite offensive characteristics. As a prep player in Pennsylvania, his batting skills graded out to an 80 on a 20-80 scale, according to Baseball America. McGonigle was the first to record the “perfect” swing score since Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2018.
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Although he skipped spending time at Triple-A Toledo, McGonigle batted a combined .308 in 818 minor league at-bats. Some scouts suggest he could be one of the best all-time Tigers prospects.
So why bury McGonigle at the bottom of the order?
Kerry Carpenter led off Thursday. He’s a middle-of-the-order power threat.
If McGonigle continues to perform as he did in the opening innings Thursday, it likely won’t be long until he tops the Tigers’ order.