The Detroit Tigers have made it clear this offseason: they’re mostly sticking with what they’ve got. While the front office, led by Scott Harris, did make a couple of notable additions on the pitching side-bringing in Drew Anderson for the rotation and veteran closer Kenley Jansen to anchor the bullpen-the position-player group has remained largely untouched. It’s a bold move for a team that faded down the stretch in 2025, and one that raises eyebrows for a club hoping to stay in the AL Central mix.
But if there’s a spark of optimism in the Tigers’ quiet winter, it’s coming from within the system-specifically, from top infield prospect Kevin McGonigle.
McGonigle made some noise in the Arizona Fall League this past November, getting an extended look at third base and flashing the kind of all-around game that turns heads. That AFL stint may have accelerated his timeline to the big leagues. While it’s a stretch to expect the 21-year-old to crack the Opening Day roster, there’s growing belief that he’ll be a fixture in Detroit’s lineup by midseason.
And that belief isn’t just coming from the Tigers’ camp. ESPN’s Buster Olney threw out a comparison that’s bound to stir emotions in Detroit: Alex Bregman. Yes, that Alex Bregman.
The irony here is thick. The Tigers were deeply involved in the Bregman free agency saga last offseason, making a push to land the two-time All-Star before things soured.
Negotiations reportedly turned contentious, and Detroit ultimately backed off. Bregman, for his part, landed a five-year deal with the Cubs, complete with a full no-trade clause and no opt-outs.
That chapter appears closed.
But now, here comes McGonigle, drawing comparisons to the very player Detroit chased-and lost. And if he even comes close to delivering Bregman-level production, that’s a massive win for the Tigers.
Since debuting in 2016, Bregman has been one of the most consistent offensive third basemen in the game, combining plate discipline, power, and clutch hitting. That’s exactly the type of presence Detroit needs at the hot corner if they’re going to keep their competitive window open in 2026.
For now, the Tigers are betting on internal growth and a few key arms to steady the ship. But McGonigle’s development could be the true X-factor.
If he delivers, the front office’s quiet winter might look a lot smarter in hindsight. If he doesn’t?
The questions about Detroit’s offseason strategy will only get louder.