Detroit — Turns out, his comments after the game Sunday were foreshadowing.
“I love this place already,” Kevin McGonigle said. “I’m looking forward to a long-term future here.”
Long term, indeed.
The Tigers signed McGonigle, the 21-year-old rookie infielder, to an eight-year contract extension worth a guaranteed $150 million with escalators in the final three seasons that could take it to $160 million.
“When I contemplate offering a contract extension to a player, I think it’s really important to evaluate both the player and the person,” Tigers president Scott Harris said Wednesday.
“The organization is better with Kevin in it, and we want to keep him here as long as we can keep him here.”
McGonigle’s extension will begin next season and cover 2027 through 2034, taking him through the final five seasons of club control plus his first three years of free agency.
McGonigle, who has an OPS of .908 through 17 games, also will earn a $14 million signing bonus. The deal includes no opt-outs.
“Since I’ve been drafted by the Tigers, the way I am, I’m loyal and I want to stick at one spot,” McGonigle said at Wednesday’s press conference. “I know that it’s the right move.
“And I’m looking forward to just going out every year and giving it all I got.”
Here is how McGonigle’s contract breaks down:
2027 — $1 million
2028 — $7 million
2029 — $16 million
2030 — $21 million
2031 — $22 million
2032-34 — $23 million
A large group of teammates and coaches crammed into the back of the interview room to support McGonigle during the press conference.
“It means everything,” McGonigle said. “It shows you the kind of team we have. We are there for each other. Every day we pick each other up. I am super thankful for all these guys being here today. And I know if they were sitting up here today, I’d be in the same spot they are.”
Tarik Skubal asked the last question. He wanted to know if there was a chance he might be buying the team dinner in Boston this weekend.
“Definitely,” McGonigle said with a smile. “I’m sure I can take care of that.”
chris.mccosky@detroitnews.com
@cmccosky
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Kevin McGonigle, Detroit Tigers agree to eight-year contract extension
Reporting by Chris McCosky, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
