sports
Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle selected for 2026 All-Star Game
Kevin McGonigle, the 21-year-old Detroit Tigers rookie from the Philadelphia area, will represent the American League at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. ESPN reported his selection and his comments on returning to Citizens Bank Park.
Jul 12, 4:41 PM·1m read3 sources
winnipegfreepress.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle will play for the American League in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, ESPN reported. The 21-year-old infielder from Media, Pennsylvania, told reporters on Sunday that he is "super pumped" to appear at Citizens Bank Park. McGonigle was drafted by Detroit with the No.
37 overall pick in 2023. He spent two-plus years in the minor leagues, skipping Triple-A Toledo, before making the major-league roster during 2026 spring training. He recorded four hits in his MLB debut and signed an eight-year, $150 million contract shortly afterward.
Through the first half of the season McGonigle reached base safely more often at the All-Star break than all but two players since 1933, Mike Trout and Al Kaline, according to ESPN. He is also the fifth rookie age 21 or younger since 1947 to record at least 99 hits before the break. Tigers All-Star outfielder Riley Greene said McGonigle's maturity stands out.
"It's so impressive how mature he is in the box. You don't see many people at 21 having at-bats as good as him," Greene said. Phillies manager Don Mattingly noted the player's early impact. "He's a good-looking, young player," Mattingly said.
"Seeing him in the spring, he swung the bat. " McGonigle recommended Delco's Steaks in Delaware County as his favorite cheesesteak and Philip's in Philadelphia as a sleeper pick ahead of the Home Run Derby on Monday night and the All-Star Game on Tuesday night.
