The Detroit Tigers’ farm system continues to earn high praise as one of the strongest in Major League Baseball.
Despite top pitching prospect Jackson Jobe making the Opening Day roster, the organization still boasts an impressive group of rising stars. ESPN’s latest top-50 prospects update includes three Tigers — all ranked within the top 25.
These same three — Max Clark, Kevin McGonigle, and Bryce Rainer — also appear in MLB Pipeline’s top-50 rankings, though ESPN is significantly higher on McGonigle and Rainer.
McGonigle, currently working his way back from an Opening Day ankle sprain, is ranked No. 11 by ESPN, a notable jump from his No. 26 spot on MLB Pipeline’s list. Rainer, the Tigers’ 2024 first-round pick (11th overall), is ranked No. 22 by ESPN, compared to No. 47 on Pipeline’s board.
Outfielder Max Clark remains Detroit’s top prospect, sitting comfortably inside the top 10 on both lists. He’s impressed with High-A this season, posting a .289/.425/.406 slash line with three home runs and 24 RBIs over 128 at-bats.
| Name | Position | ESPN Ranking | MLB Pipeline Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Clark | OF | 8 | 7 |
| Kevin McGonigle | SS/2B | 11 | 26 |
| Bryce Rainer | 22 | 47 |
McGonigle’s playing time this year has been limited due to injury, but he made an impact on Opening Day with two doubles and four RBIs. After a successful rehab stint at Single-A — recording hits in four of six games — he’s expected to rejoin High-A on Wednesday. His stellar 2024 campaign, where he hit .309 with 44 RBIs, 25 extra-base hits, and 22 steals, has propelled him up the rankings and could soon land him in the top 10.
As for Rainer, he’s off to a promising start in his first full professional season. In 86 at-bats with Single-A, he’s hitting .256/.374/.407 with three home runs, 14 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. The wide disparity in his rankings may be attributed to his youth, but being recognized as a top-50 prospect at just 19 is an impressive feat.
