Kevin McGonigle, one of the most exciting young hitters in the Detroit Tigers' farm system, is quickly becoming a name to watch in Major League Baseball. Despite his rapid rise in popularity, his professional journey is just beginning, having been drafted straight out of high school. His current financial picture in 2025 paints a clear picture of a top prospect in development, not yet cashing in on a major league paycheck.
McGonigle's 2025 Earnings: Bonus vs. Salary
As of the 2025 season, Kevin McGonigle has not played in the MLB and is notably absent from the Detroit Tigers' 40-man roster. This crucial detail means he does not earn a standard MLB salary. Instead, his income stems from the common dual-source model for elite minor leaguers: a substantial signing bonus and a seasonal minor league salary.
His financial security primarily comes from the signing bonus he received upon being drafted. The Tigers selected McGonigle with the 37th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft. His draft contract included a signing bonus of approximately $2.85 million, a life-changing sum that represents the bulk of his earnings to date. This bonus provides a financial foundation as he hones his skills in the minors.
For the 2025 season, his actual salary is the standard minor league wage, which is significantly lower than the MLB minimum. This pay varies based on the level he plays at but is designed to cover living expenses during the season rather than provide long-term wealth. Since he has not accrued any MLB service time, he is not eligible for the league's minimum wage or any performance bonuses at the highest level.
The Future Payday: MLB Earnings Potential
Once Kevin McGonigle earns his promotion to the Detroit Tigers' major league roster, his earnings structure will change dramatically. The financial leap is substantial. A new player in the majors is guaranteed at least the league minimum salary, which is over $700,000 per year.
For a promising hitter like McGonigle, performing well at the MLB level opens the door to significantly larger contracts through arbitration and, eventually, free agency. His potential future earnings could multiply many times over based on his performance and impact with the big-league club.
Building a Career, Step by Step
To summarise, Kevin McGonigle's 2025 compensation is a blend of:
- A $2.85 million signing bonus from his 2023 draft signing.
- A modest minor league salary for the ongoing season.
This financial path is typical for a high-potential prospect. It underscores a career in its foundational phase, with the promise of a major financial upgrade contingent on his continued development and eventual call-up to the Detroit Tigers. His story is one of patience and potential, with the real earning power waiting on the other side of the minor league grind.
