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Where should the Tigers play Kevin McGonigle?

The first thing we should do this offseason is appreciate an all-time great rookie season, and what seems certain to be an AL Rookie of the Year award. The only real question around the Tigers fresh-faced star is where to…

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 12:00 PM
Where should the Tigers play Kevin McGonigle?
Key Things to Know
  • Brandon Day argues the Detroit Tigers should keep rookie Kevin McGonigle as their primary shortstop.
  • McGonigle split defensive duties as a rookie, recording 675.2 innings at shortstop and 644 innings at third base.
  • Defensive metrics showed mixed evaluations, with +2 DRS at shortstop compared to a neutral 0 fielding run value.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Brandon Day argues that the Detroit Tigers should primarily keep rookie standout Kevin McGonigle at shortstop going forward. Following an impressive rookie campaign that positioned him as a top contender for the AL Rookie of the Year award, McGonigle demonstrated solid defense while splitting significant playing time between shortstop and third base.

While McGonigle's below-average throwing velocity suggests a potential long-term fit at second base, Day believes leaving him at shortstop provides optimal roster flexibility. Day suggests keeping McGonigle at the position until another player pushes him off, or until top prospect Bryce Rainer arrives around 2028.

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