Kevin McGonigle Scouting Report

Kevin McGonigle Scouting Report

Background: Kevin McGonigle was a fixture on the amateur showcase circuit, with consistent strong performances and a knack for being on winning teams. His Light Blue team took home the 2022 Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) League title. He’s a career. 427 hitter with 11 home runs and a 1.267 OPS in 111 Perfect Game events, and his West squad won the 2022 PG All-American Classic. He also posted an .887 OPS over nine games as Team USA took home the gold medal in the 2022 U-18 Baseball World Cup.

Physical description: Listed size of 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds appears accurate. He’s slightly on the smaller side, though he’s sturdy and looks to have good strength. It’s a classic baseball build, with a fit, but not overtly muscular, physique.

Hit: 70

McGonigle is compact in the batters box, with his knees bent and his hands at shoulder height with the bat relaxed over his shoulder. His quick hands and short levers help him fire the barrel through the zone with balance and natural loft. He attacks fastballs early in counts, but controls the zone well, and he showcases an advanced two-strike approach to fight off borderline offerings. Will occasionally swing over changeups and breaking balls below the zone, but rarely misses the same pitch twice.

Power: 50

McGonigle isn’t overly strong, but his bat speed and barrel accuracy give him a chance to hit for average in-game power. There could even be a tick more than that if he leans into a pull-heavy approach.

Run: 55

Has shown above-average speed in showcase settings, with a 60-yard dash under 6.6 seconds. Game speed plays above-average as well, with home-to-first times around 4.15 seconds. Close to plus underway, and should be able to leg out plenty of doubles and triples. A smart, instinctive baserunner who could steal double-digit bags annually.

Defense: 50

McGonigle was drafted as a shortstop, and he has the instincts, hands, and footwork to handle the position. Has show solid range at the position, and has the arm to make every routine throw. He also has plenty of experience playing second base and could be a solid-average to plus defender there.

Arm: 50

McGonigle’s arm strength is average, but he’s an accurate thrower with a good sense of when he needs to get rid of the ball. Probably stretched a bit on the left side of the infield, but strong enough to turn the double play from second with no issues.

Overall: Kevin McGonigle’s advanced feel for hitting should get him to the big leagues before his 22nd birthday. He’s a well-rounded player whose ultimate role will likely be determined by how much power he can coax out of his bat. There’s All-Star upside here if he gets to average pop, either at shortstop or second base. But even if he doesn’t ever hit for much power, the rest of his tools are strong enough to make him at least an average regular.

Updated 3/15/25