Kevin McGonigle briefly appeared to treat his teammates to dinner after a Tigers win, but it was actually Tarik Skubal who picked up the tab. Skubal had recently signed an eight-year, $150 million contract extension.
Key points
Kevin McGonigle appeared to treat teammates to dinner.
Tarik Skubal actually paid for the dinner.
Skubal signed an eight-year, $150 million contract extension.
The Tigers won 4-1 against the Red Sox on April 18.
Detroit TigersBoston Red SoxTarik SkubalKevin McGonigle
Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle (7) gets ready to bat against Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle (7) gets ready to bat against Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
McGonigle was there.
He just wasn't the one picking up the check.
McGonigle had been scheduled to take the Tigers to dinner after Sunday's game, but rain in the forecast at Fenway Park shifted first pitch back three hours, from 1:35 p.m to 4:35 p.m. Just like that, the weather wiped out the window for the team dinner hosted by McGonigle.
Q&A
Who treated the Detroit Tigers to dinner after their win against the Red Sox?
Tarik Skubal treated the Detroit Tigers to dinner after their win against the Boston Red Sox.
What was the significance of Tarik Skubal's contract extension?
Tarik Skubal signed an eight-year, $150 million contract extension, marking a significant investment by the Tigers in the young pitcher.
What was the outcome of the Tigers' game against the Red Sox on April 18?
The Detroit Tigers won the game against the Boston Red Sox with a score of 4-1 on April 18.
What did Kevin McGonigle initially claim about the dinner outing?
Kevin McGonigle initially claimed he treated his teammates to dinner, but later clarified that it was actually Tarik Skubal who paid.
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Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers throws in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers throws in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The plan for McGonigle's dinner is pending, with McGonigle prepared to take his teammates to dinner during an upcoming road trip – possibly on the April 27 off day in Atlanta amid a six-game road trip against the Cincinnati Reds (April 24-26) and Atlanta Braves (April 28-30).
It all depends on how many family members are traveling.
"It's whatever these guys think is best," McGonigle said. "If families are there, then we're not going to go."
Postponement aside, the dinners are part of an team-first initiative by Skubal to build and maintain a connected clubhouse, especially as young players like McGonigle (and, eventually, fellow top prospect Max Clark) arrive for their MLB debuts.
The Tigers have a good clubhouse.
There aren't any bad personalities among the group.
It's something Skubal takes pride in.
"Having young players come up and make an impact on our team is going to help us so much," said Skubal, who visited McGonigle in the Arizona Fall League in November. "I just want to make anyone that comes up here on this team feel comfortable and confident. That way, they can just go play baseball. If you ask the more veteran group around here, you take pride in having a good clubhouse."
McGonigle looks comfortable on the field, hitting .312 with an .892 OPS and plus-2 defensive runs saved in 21 games. His .411 on-base percentage ranks 14th among MLB players.
Part of the reason for that?
It's because he feels comfortable in the clubhouse, even while handling rookie duties like managing the clubhouse speaker.
"I'm super blessed for my first time in the big leagues that I have a group of guys like this to learn from," McGonigle said. "It's just been unbelievable the way they're treating me."
