AJ Hinch Backs Kevin McGonigle for AL Rookie of the Year
The short version
- AJ Hinch endorsed Kevin McGonigle for AL Rookie of the Year, saying "I'm planting my flag."
- McGonigle is batting .276 with 17 HR, 70 RBI and 6.7 WAR through 152 games.
- The 2023 first-round pick signed an eight-year, $150 million extension in April.
- Cleveland's Parker Messick is another top AL rookie candidate for BBWAA voters.
The Tigers manager made his case for the 22-year-old infielder as Detroit's rookie posts one of the strongest first-year resumes in the American League.
Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch publicly endorsed infielder Kevin McGonigle for American League Rookie of the Year on Wednesday. Speaking on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, with audio shared on X, Hinch said he was "planting my flag" in support of his 22-year-old player, whom the outlet described as the favorite for the award.
The numbers back up the endorsement. Heading into Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals, McGonigle owned a .276 batting average, a .376 on-base percentage and a .425 slugging percentage across 152 games. His season also includes 17 home runs, 70 RBI, 95 runs, 27 doubles, five triples, 12 steals and 94 walks, good for 6.7 WAR.
Drafted 37th overall by Detroit in 2023, McGonigle broke camp with the Tigers on Opening Day and later earned his first All-Star nod. He has split his defensive duties between shortstop and third base. The club locked him up long term in April with an eight-year, $150 million extension running from 2027 through 2034.
The race is not over, however. BBWAA voters decide the award after the season ends, and Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick is another leading AL rookie candidate.
