Overview
- Manager A.J. Hinch confirmed McGonigle will open at shortstop on Saturday, Feb. 21, against the Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field with first pitch at 1:05 p.m.
- Team officials characterize the start as a look at McGonigle against major-league competition rather than a signal of an Opening Day roster decision.
- Gleyber Torres is slated to start at second base alongside McGonigle in the opener.
- McGonigle is described in coverage as the consensus No. 2 prospect in baseball and was drafted No. 37 overall by Detroit in 2023.
- He has not played above Double-A and previously appeared in eight 2025 spring games as a call-up, hitting .400 (4-for-10) with one home run.