Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch left little doubt about where he stands on Kevin McGonigle’s AL Rookie of the Year candidacy as the 2026 regular season nears its conclusion.

McGonigle has established himself as one of Detroit’s most productive players during his debut season, giving Hinch a compelling statistical case to support even after the Tigers fell out of postseason contention.

MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM shared audio of Hinch’s comments Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter, as the manager publicly backed his rookie infielder for the award.

“Kevin McGonigle is is the rookie year. I'm planting my flag.”

"I'm planting my flag."

Kevin McGonigle is the heavy favorite to take home the AL ROY Award 🏆@Tigers | #DNMW
🔗 https://t.co/iXax8hx4iO pic.twitter.com/0phJj7xgVX

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) September 23, 2026

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McGonigle entered Wednesday’s rubber match against the Washington Nationals batting .276 with a .376 on-base percentage and .425 slugging percentage through 152 games. He has recorded 95 runs, 27 doubles, five triples, 17 home runs, 70 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 94 walks. The 22-year-old also went 2-for-5 with a double in Tuesday’s loss to Washington, continuing his productive rookie campaign even after the club's elimination from postseason contention.

The 22-year-old made the Tigers’ Opening Day roster before earning his first All-Star selection during a breakout rookie campaign. Detroit further demonstrated its long-term commitment in April by signing McGonigle to an eight-year, $150 million extension covering the 2027 through 2034 seasons.

The Tigers selected McGonigle with the 37th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. He has handled regular work at both shortstop and third base while becoming a fixture in Hinch’s lineup.

The AL Rookie of the Year race is not settled. Baseball Writers’ Association of America voters determine the award after the regular season, with Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick among the other prominent AL rookies under consideration.

The Tigers’ rising shortstop carries 6.7 WAR into the final stretch of the 2026 season, leaving voters with one of the strongest rookie resumes in the American League.