Detroit Tigers, Game 18: One thing I loved, one thing I didn't

The News' Tony Paul gives his quick takes on the Tigers' 2-1 victory over the Royals on Wednesday: One thing I loved The story of the day, as it has been time and again in 2026, was Kevin McGonigle. The Tigers' rookie, just 20 days (and 17 games) into his major-league career, signed an eight-year, $150-million extension before the game . It's among the largest contracts in Tigers history, and among the largest in Major League Baseball history for prospects with fewer than 50 games of major-league service time.

It's a growing trend in baseball, locking up stars early in their major-league careers (or, in Colt Keith's case, before they even play a major-league game ). It can be a win-win. The player gets lifetime financial security, and the team could save tens if not hundreds of millions on the back end if the player becomes a superstar.

Make no mistake, the potential of a looming lockout, and a cloudy future financial picture for MLB, is a factor for both sides, too. Here's our Kevin McGonigle coverage: Inside McGonigle's $150 million extension with Tigers: 'Hardwired to be great' McGonigle's contract: Year-by-year details Let's put McGonigle's huge contract in historical perspective McGonigle's career timeline with Tigers, from draft day to extension dinner on kev 😂 pic. twitter.

com/KmU8fZZPKz — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 15, 2026 One thing I didn't There's just something about that fifth inning for Tigers starter Jack Flaherty. It was a bugaboo again Wednesday, when he walked a pair (of bottom-of-the-order hitters, no less) and allowed a two-out single to Kyle Isbel as the Royals tied the game at 1. Flaherty's ERA in the fifth inning this season is 23.