Dinner is on Kevin McGonigle.
On Wednesday, McGonigle and the Tigers agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth a guaranteed $150 million. In a press conference later that afternoon, Detroit ace Tarik Skubal masqueraded as a reporter to ask the rookie shortstop an all-important question.
“There’s day games on Saturday and Sunday, and I was just wondering if you planned on taking the boys out to dinner,” Skubal asked. “Has that crossed your mind yet?”
While some of Skubal’s teammates -- including McGonigle -- chuckled, the two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner appeared to hold back a smirk. He wanted an answer first.
“It definitely has,” McGonigle said, smiling. “I’m sure I can take care of it.”
“Abe’s gonna hook it up,” McGonigle later added, referring to Abe Silvestri, the club’s travel director.
McGonigle, 21, is the latest player to sign a long-term deal with minimal Major League service time. MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 overall prospect forced his way onto Detroit’s Opening Day roster with a standout spring, and he hasn’t slowed down since. He’s hitting .311/.417/.492 in 17 games, showing off elite bat-to-ball skills and plus plate discipline.
The Tigers begin a four-game series with the Red Sox at Fenway Park on Friday. Hopefully, McGonigle knows a good restaurant or two in Boston. We’ll have to check back after the weekend to see his cuisine of choice.