Detroit Tigers rookie returns to Citizens Bank Park as All-Star

Kevin McGonigle, a 21-year-old shortstop and third baseman for the Detroit Tigers, will suit up for the American League in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. McGonigle was born August 18, 2004 in Media, Pennsylvania and attended high school in Drexel Hill, about seven and a half miles from Center City.

He watched Phillies games from the stands during their 2022 World Series run. The Tigers selected McGonigle 37th overall in the 2023 draft out of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast High School. He advanced from High-A in 2024 to Double-A in 2025 before making the major-league roster this spring without playing Triple-A.

420 slugging percentage. He has recorded 18 doubles, three triples, eight home runs, 34 runs batted in, 58 runs scored and 11 stolen bases. His 126 OPS+ ranks among the top position players in the American League, and he trails only two other position players in wins above replacement at the All-Star break.

Homecoming details McGonigle said Monday that he did not expect his first game at Citizens Bank Park to be an All-Star Game. He added that the experience includes family and friends attending, with 35 guests expected. He noted that memories returned upon seeing concession stands he had visited thousands of times as a spectator.

McGonigle said the moment will feel more real when he stands on the field for the national anthem and hears his name announced. The Tigers finished the first half with consecutive losses to the Phillies before the break. Detroit remains within reach of a playoff berth.