Tigers One-Up Pirates With Historic Contract Extension For Top Prospect

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'Tis the season for MLB contract extensions.

One week after the Pittsburgh Pirates finalized a nine-year, $140 million contract extension with MLB's top prospect, Konnor Griffin, the Detroit Tigers gave MLB's No. 2 prospect a similar megadeal on Wednesday.

The Tigers and Kevin McGonigle reportedly agreed to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension on Wednesday, slightly outdoing Griffin's franchise-record contract in terms of both total value and AAV. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus and could reach $160 million with escalators, similar to how Griffin's deal could reach $150 million with escalators.

Kevin McGonigle 8-year, $150 million contract:
$14 million signing bonus.
2027: $1M
2028: $7M
2029: $16M
2030: $21M
2031: $22M
2032: $23M ($25M if reaches escalators)
2033: $23M ($26M if reaches escalators
2034: $23M ($28M if reaches escalators)
$5M if traded each time.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 15, 2026

McGonigle, like Griffin, is also a rookie shortstop, albeit two years older at 21. Both of their deals also run through 2034, as McGonigle's extension doesn't start until next year.

Unlike Griffin, however, McGonigle's Major League career is off to an incredible start. Over his first 17 MLB games, he already has 1.1 WAR, eight extra-base hits, a .311/.417/.492 batting line and more walks than strikeouts.

While the two play in separate leagues, they have a chance to be one of the best rookie duos in MLB history if McGonigle keeps it up and Griffin figures things out.

More MLB: Pirates Manager Reveals Why Konnor Griffin Is Destined For Greatness

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