What happened: Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle credited a structured daily preparation routine and guidance from veteran teammates for keeping him fresh during his debut campaign. Speaking after his AL Rookie of the Year honors, McGonigle explained that seeking consistent feedback across the clubhouse helped him avoid hitting the rookie wall.

Why it matters: Navigating the full 162-game schedule solidifies McGonigle as an anchor for Detroit's infield entering the 2027 season. His ability to sustain production over a grueling calendar validates the organization's reliance on him as a core building block.

What to watch: McGonigle will head into spring training positioned as an everyday fixture as Detroit finalizes its roster for 2027.