# Tigers rookie emerging as dark horse MVP candidate

> Kevin McGonigle's stellar rookie season has him in contention for American League MVP despite Detroit's long playoff odds.
- Title: Tigers rookie emerging as dark horse MVP candidate · Newsweek
- Summary: Kevin McGonigle's stellar rookie season has him in contention for American League MVP despite Detroit's long playoff odds. A crowded MVP race with no clear…
- Keywords: kevin mcgonigle, detroit tigers, american league mvp, rookie, shortstop, wins above replacement, mlb, 2024 season, ichiro suzuki, all-star, Tigers, emerging
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/mlb/tigers-kevin-mcgonigle-mvp-american-league-rookie-12447908
- Author: Jon Paul Hoornstra
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kevin mcgonigle, detroit tigers, american league mvp, rookie, shortstop, wins above replacement, mlb, 2024 season, ichiro suzuki, all-star
## Tigers keep playoff hopes alive
Detroit won their sixth straight game Tuesday, but sits 4.5 games back for the final wild-card spot with only 11 games left. Their postseason odds are less than 2 percent.
## McGonigle leads in key MVP stat
The 22-year-old shortstop leads all AL position players in Baseball Reference's Wins Above Replacement and ranks third in FanGraphs' version of the same metric.
## Crowded MVP race has no clear leader
Four candidates have legitimate claims to the award, each with notable flaws. The lack of a frontrunner could benefit McGonigle, who would be the first rookie MVP winner since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001.
## McGonigle's all-around excellence
The All-Star leads the AL in hits, runs, and on-base percentage while playing elite defense at shortstop. He's generated nearly as much value in the field as with his bat.
## Witt Jr. and Alvarez face obstacles
Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. missed time with a back injury and his team is last in the division. Houston's Yordan Alvarez leads in batting average and slugging but plays DH and his team's playoff hopes are uncertain.
## Caminero and postseason impact
Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero leads the AL in home runs but also in errors. McGonigle's MVP chances could improve if other candidates split first-place votes or if postseason success becomes a tiebreaker.
## Key takeaway

A crowded MVP race with no clear frontrunner could help McGonigle become the first rookie to win since Ichiro Suzuki in 2001.