Matt SullivanWed, December 3, 2025 at 4:43 PM UTC·2 min readTigers' trade plan for Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark revealed by MLB insider originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Tigers aren't likely to spend a fortune on a free agent player this winter. With Tarik Skubal's contract up after 2026, Detroit will likely try to maximize its 2026 potential, but also not overspend in free agency.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn the trade market, they have the prospect pool to make such trades work. There are plenty of valuable trade candidates, including Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark, and Josue Briceno, among others.
But what are the odds that the Tigers trade one of McGonigle or Clark? According to MLB.com insider Johnathan Mayo, the Tigers' trade plans with McGonigle and Clark are clear.
Tigers' trade plans for Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark revealed
"It's a deep system. There is a lot of interesting, close-to-big-league-ready offensive talent." Mayo writes, "Kevin McGonigle (No. 1/MLB No.2) and Max Clark (No.2/MLB No. 8) are going nowhere."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMayo lays it out clearly: Clark and McGonigle are not going to be traded. That's a decision that makes the most sense. Trading either would have to coincide with a massive trade pickup, and there isn't a great option available this winter that would be worth it.
More: MLB insider reveals $450 million reason why Tigers could trade Tarik Skubal
If Paul Skenes were somehow available, then maybe one of Clark or McGonigle could be made available for trade. But, barring such a stunning trade, neither top Tigers prospect is going to be traded.
Both could make their MLB debuts in 2026, and with the future of the organization in question thanks to Skubal's looming free agency, having Clark and McGonigle in-house would provide the necessary spark to stave off the negative impact of Skubal leaving.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBriscoe, Max Anderson, and other top prospects in Detroit's farm system could be dealt, but Clark and McGonigle aren't going anywhere this winter.
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