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Tigers' Kevin McGonigle is putting up Joe DiMaggio-esque numbers so far this year
TL;DR
Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers is having an impressive start to the 2026 MLB season, drawing comparisons to Joe DiMaggio. The 21-year-old rookie is a strong contender for both AL Rookie of the Year and MVP.
Key points
- Kevin McGonigle is a rookie infielder for the Detroit Tigers.
- He has been performing at an elite level in the 2026 MLB season.
- McGonigle is being compared to Joe DiMaggio for his impressive start.
- He is a contender for both AL Rookie of the Year and MVP.
Joe DiMaggioDetroit TigersKevin McGonigle
Tigers' Kevin McGonigle is putting up Joe DiMaggio-esque numbers so far this year originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Tigers are 15-14 to begin the 2026 MLB season, and things likely would be a whole lot worse if it weren't for Kevin McGonigle.
The 21-year-old rookie infielder has been one of the best players in the Major Leagues this year, and it's not hyperbole either. He's not just making a case for AL Rookie of the Year, but MVP as well.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale highlighted one of the reasons why: McGonigle, heading into the weekend of April 25 and 26, was having a Joe DiMaggio-esque start to the season.
Kevin McGongile off to a Joe DiMaggio-esque start to 2026 season
"Just how impressive is Tigers rookie infielder Kevin McGonigle's start?" Nightengale writes. "He entered the weekend with 30 hits, 10 doubles and just 14 strikeouts in his first 25 games, the first 21-year-old to produce those numbers since Joe DiMaggio in 1936."
Detroit has seen McGonigle put together a remarkable start to his MLB career. Those were the numbers for McGonigle entering the weekend, and now, following that weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds, his numbers look even better.
Through 28 games this season, across 123 plate appearances, McGonigle has 35 hits, 22 runs scored, 11 doubles, two triples (most in AL), two home runs, 12 RBIs, two stolen bases, 16 walks, 15 strikeouts, a .330 average, and a .951 OPS.
More: Shohei Ohtani deemed more valuable than Aaron Judge in recent ESPN discussion piece
Q&A
What are Kevin McGonigle's stats for the 2026 MLB season?
Kevin McGonigle has been one of the top players in the Major Leagues this season, showcasing outstanding performance that has drawn comparisons to Joe DiMaggio.
How is Kevin McGonigle performing compared to other rookies in 2026?
McGonigle is not only making a strong case for AL Rookie of the Year but is also being considered for the MVP award due to his exceptional play.
What is the significance of Joe DiMaggio in baseball history?
Joe DiMaggio is a legendary figure in baseball, known for his incredible hitting streaks and overall excellence, making comparisons to him a significant accolade for any player.
