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Tarik Skubal crashes Kevin McGonigle press conference with funny moment
TL;DR
Kevin McGonigle officially signed an eight-year, $150 million contract extension with the Detroit Tigers on April 15. During the press conference, pitcher Tarik Skubal humorously suggested that McGonigle should take the team out for dinner with his new contract money.
The press conference lasted 19 minutes, 14 seconds.
The Detroit Tigers and Kevin McGonigle made official an eight-year, $150 million contract extension Wednesday, April 15, in a small interview room at Comerica Park.
There was a statement from president of baseball operations Scott Harris, an emotional reaction from McGonigle when he thanked his parents and plenty of questions from reporters.
THE DEAL: Kevin McGonigle, Detroit Tigers agree to 8-year contract extension
Detroit Tigers pitchers Tarik Skubal and Justin Verlander have fun with rookie teammate Kevin McGonigle about him taking the team out for dinner on their next road trip with money from his new contract he signed on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit.
And then Tarik Skubal raised his hand and chimed in.
"There's an upcoming road trip in Boston," Skubal said.
"Oh, here we go," McGonigle interjected.
"With day games Saturday and Sunday," Skubal continued. "I was just wondering if you planned on taking the boys out to dinner."
Laughter filled the room.
At the table in the front of the room sat McGonigle, Harris and general manager Jeff Greenberg. The back of the room was packed with Tigers players, along with manager A.J. Hinch and members of the coaching staff. Next to Skubal sat franchise legend Justin Verlander.
"Has that crossed your mind yet?" Skubal said.
"It definitely has," McGonigle said. "I'm sure I can take care of it."
SHAWN WINDSOR: Kevin McGonigle might be all-timer. His contract is a steal for Tigers
Some members of the Detroit Tigers including (middle) Spencer Torkelson, Jake Rogers and Riley Greene watch their rookie teammate Kevin McGonigle answer questions during his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
Detroit Tigers player Kevin McGonigle and Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations shake hands at his press conference at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026. McGonigle, a 21-year-old rookie infielder, agreed on Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
Detroit Tigers player Kevin McGonigle is all smiles during his press conference at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 as he listens to Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations. McGonigle, a 21-year-old rookie infielder, agreed on Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
Detroit Tigers player Kevin McGonigle is all smiles during his press conference at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 as he listens to Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations. McGonigle, a 21-year-old rookie infielder, agreed on Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
Members of the media ask questions to Kevin McGonigle during his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
Ryan McGonigle, brother to Kevin McGonigle watches him during his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
(L to R) Tracy McGonigle hugs her son Kevin McGonigle and his father Kevin McGonigle looks on after his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
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Kevin McGonigle talks $150 million contract with Detroit Tigers
Some members of the Detroit Tigers including (middle) Spencer Torkelson, Jake Rogers and Riley Greene watch their rookie teammate Kevin McGonigle answer questions during his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
1 / 7
Kevin McGonigle talks $150 million contract with Detroit Tigers
Some members of the Detroit Tigers including (middle) Spencer Torkelson, Jake Rogers and Riley Greene watch their rookie teammate Kevin McGonigle answer questions during his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
2 / 7
Kevin McGonigle talks $150 million contract with Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers player Kevin McGonigle and Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations shake hands at his press conference at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026. McGonigle, a 21-year-old rookie infielder, agreed on Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
3 / 7
Kevin McGonigle talks $150 million contract with Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers player Kevin McGonigle is all smiles during his press conference at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 as he listens to Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations. McGonigle, a 21-year-old rookie infielder, agreed on Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
4 / 7
Kevin McGonigle talks $150 million contract with Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers player Kevin McGonigle is all smiles during his press conference at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 as he listens to Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations. McGonigle, a 21-year-old rookie infielder, agreed on Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
5 / 7
Kevin McGonigle talks $150 million contract with Detroit Tigers
Members of the media ask questions to Kevin McGonigle during his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
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Kevin McGonigle talks $150 million contract with Detroit Tigers
Ryan McGonigle, brother to Kevin McGonigle watches him during his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
7 / 7
Kevin McGonigle talks $150 million contract with Detroit Tigers
(L to R) Tracy McGonigle hugs her son Kevin McGonigle and his father Kevin McGonigle looks on after his press conference on Wednesday, April, 15, 2026 at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers and the 21-year-old rookie infielder agreed Wednesday, April 15, to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus.
In 2026, McGonigle is making $780,000 on the minimum salary, while Skubal is earning $32 million after winning a salary arbitration hearing as the reigning two-time American League Cy Young winner in his final season before free agency.
Soon enough, the first $8 million of McGonigle's $14 million signing bonus will hit his bank account.
Aside from the signing bonus, McGonigle is guaranteed to receive $136 million in base salaries throughout the duration of the eight-year contract extension, from 2027-34.
Now that it's locked in, where does McGonigle plan to take his teammates to dinner in Boston on Saturday or Sunday before leaving Beantown after Monday's four-game series finale at Fenway Park?
For that, McGonigle needs help from travel director Abe Silvestri.
"Abe is going to hook it up," McGonigle said.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tarik Skubal asks Kevin McGonigle question at Tigers press conference
Q&A
What is the value and duration of Kevin McGonigle's contract extension with the Detroit Tigers?
Kevin McGonigle signed an eight-year contract extension worth $150 million.
When did Kevin McGonigle sign his contract extension with the Detroit Tigers?
Kevin McGonigle signed his contract extension on April 15, 2026.
What humorous moment occurred during Kevin McGonigle's press conference?
Tarik Skubal jokingly suggested that McGonigle should take the team out for dinner with his new contract money.
Who is Scott Harris in relation to the Detroit Tigers?
Scott Harris is the president of baseball operations for the Detroit Tigers.
