The Detroit Tigers are heading into Spring Training with more than just questions surrounding Tarik Skubal. While the Skubal saga has dominated headlines this offseason, there's a different kind of buzz building in the background - one that has everything to do with the future. And that future is being shaped by a trio of rising prospects who could soon turn potential into production at the big-league level.
Kevin McGonigle: The Crown Jewel of the Farm
At the center of it all is Kevin McGonigle, the Tigers’ top prospect - and according to MLB.com, the second-best prospect in all of baseball. That’s not just hype. That’s a signal that Detroit might be on the verge of something special.
McGonigle’s rise hasn’t been meteoric, but it’s been methodical - and impressive. Drafted in the second round back in 2022, he’s steadily climbed the minor league ladder, and his 2025 campaign was a statement.
Across High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie, McGonigle slashed .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs in 88 games. That’s a .991 OPS - elite by any standard, and especially eye-opening for a middle infielder.
Then came the Arizona Fall League, where McGonigle didn’t just show up - he dominated. A .362 average and five home runs in just 19 games earned him AFL MVP honors and turned even more heads across the league. His consistency at the plate, combined with a noticeable uptick in power, has scouts and fans alike wondering just how soon he’ll make his way to Comerica Park.
While there’s no guarantee he breaks camp with the big-league club, McGonigle’s performance has certainly put him in the conversation. And if he keeps swinging like this in Spring Training, Detroit might not be able to keep him down for long.
Max Clark: The Center Field Catalyst in Waiting
Right behind McGonigle in terms of buzz is Max Clark, the Tigers’ first-round pick in 2021 and a player who’s steadily lived up to the hype since being drafted out of Carroll High School. Clark brings a tantalizing mix of tools - power, speed, and on-base ability - that could make him a fixture in Detroit’s outfield for years to come.
Last season, Clark split time between High-A and Double-A, showing flashes of what he can become. In West Michigan, he hit .285 with seven home runs and a strong walk rate (65 walks in 68 games). After moving up to Erie, he added another seven homers and 20 RBIs in just 43 games - a sign that his power is starting to catch up with his advanced plate discipline.
Clark profiles as a true center fielder, and his athleticism gives him a chance to be a game-changer both at the plate and in the field. While he’s not expected to break through to the majors in 2026, he’ll get a long look in Spring Training. If all goes well, 2027 could be the year he makes his mark in Detroit.
Bryce Rainer: Bounce-Back Watch
Then there’s Bryce Rainer - a name that might not have made as many headlines yet, but one that could be just as important in Detroit’s long-term plans. Drafted 11th overall in 2024 out of Westlake High School, Rainer’s 2025 season was cut short by injury. A dislocated right shoulder ended his year after just 35 games, but not before he showed flashes of what he can do.
In those 35 games, Rainer hit .288 with five home runs and 22 RBIs. Project that out over a full season, and you’re looking at a player who could realistically flirt with 18 homers, 55 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases - not to mention premium defense at shortstop. His arm strength and athleticism make him a natural at the position, though there’s a chance he could eventually slide over to third base depending on how the roster shakes out.
The key for Rainer in 2026 is simple: stay on the field. If he can prove he’s fully recovered and continue progressing through the minors, he’ll be on track for a potential MLB debut in 2028 or 2029. And if his bat continues to develop, he could be a cornerstone piece by the time he arrives.
A Foundation Taking Shape
For a franchise that’s spent the better part of the last decade rebuilding, this trio represents something tangible - a reason to believe. McGonigle, Clark, and Rainer each bring a different skill set to the table, but together they form the kind of core that can change a team’s trajectory.
Detroit fans have been patient. Now, they might finally be rewarded.
The Tigers aren’t just stockpiling prospects - they’re developing players who can impact the game in multiple ways. And as Spring Training kicks off, all eyes will be on these three rising stars to see just how close the future really is.