Detroit — Kevin McGonigle’s comment after the Tigers beat the Marlins on Sunday, a game in which he hit his first big-league home run, set off alarm bells in the Detroit sports community.
Asked about what it meant to get that first homer out of the way, 21-year-old rookie said, “It meant everything. Especially doing it in front of this city. I love this place already and I’m looking forward to a long future here.”
Oh, really?
In the wake of the Pirates signing 19-year-old rookie Konnor Griffin to a $140 million extension last week, McGonigle’s comment, which was given unbidden, raised eyebrows.
He didn’t exactly back off the comment before the game Tuesday, but he made it clear any talk of an extension is premature and out of his purview.
“I said that but, the biggest thing is, I’m going to let my agent handle it,” McGonigle said. “They’ve been doing a great job.”
His agent, Eric Izen of VaynerSports Agency, didn’t immediately return an email. Tigers president Scott Harris has a long-standing policy of not discussing any contract issues until they are finalized.
Still, with the collective bargaining agreement expiring after this season and the uncertainty about what the next one my look like, the climate seems right for players and teams to try to make these deals.
McGonigle isn’t eligible for arbitration, under the present system, until 2029. Also, the Tigers’ payroll is right up against the competitive balance tax and signing McGonigle to an extension would likely earn them a tax penalty.
It’s something to watch, for sure.
Royals at Tigers
First pitch: 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, Comerica Park, Detroit
TV/radio: Detroit Sports Net/97.1 FM
Scouting report
RHP Seth Lugo (1-1, 1.53), Royals: Maybe there weren’t enough buttons on the PitchCom to accommodate all 10 of his pitches (joke), but he’s dropped the splitter from his arsenal. He’s “down” to nine pitches now. He’s been effectively leaning on his four-seamer and sinker this year (hitters are 3 for 19 combined). Right-handed hitters are 1 for 20 against him. Overall, he’s allowed three earned runs in 17.2 innings, holding hitters to a .206 average and .561 OPS.
RHP Jack Flaherty (0-1, 5.14), Tigers: He’s coming off his best start of the young season, holding a hot Twins team to one runs with six strikeouts over 5.2 innings last Thursday. He was displeased by the three walks, but he was spotting his four-seamer consistently and he had a good feel for both his slider and knuckle-curve. The Twins whiffed on four of eight swings and took six called strikes against the knuckle-curve.
Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com
@cmccosky
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Did Kevin McGonigle drop a hint about possible extension with Tigers?
Reporting by Chris McCosky, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
