Kevin McGonigle is doing something no Tiger has ever done
Kevin McGonigle is making Detroit Tigers history with a stunning start to his MLB career at just 21 years old.
The Detroit Tigers have spent years searching for young position players who could arrive in the big leagues and immediately look like they belong. Kevin McGonigle is not just passing that test. He is beginning to put himself in historic company.
According to the Tigers PR department , McGonigle became the first player in franchise history to record at least 45 hits and 24 walks through his first 40 Major League games. That alone is impressive for a 21 year old rookie trying to establish himself against elite pitching. But the deeper you look, the more remarkable the start becomes.
McGonigle is only the second Tigers player age 21 or younger to collect at least 45 hits in his first 40 MLB games. The only other player to do it was Travis Fryman back in 1990. That is elite company for a player who is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Kevin McGonigle is already showing advanced plate discipline Young hitters usually need time. Time to adjust to velocity. Time to recognize breaking balls.