He was never supposed to be that guy. The former utility man, traded, doubted, and constantly overlooked, has just done what few thought possible — Zach McKinstry has officially won his first-ever Silver Slugger Award, a recognition that cements his rise from bench depth to one of the league’s most dangerous and consistent hitters.
The announcement came Thursday night, and for McKinstry, it wasn’t just an award — it was validation. “This means everything,” he said, visibly emotional. “Every night grinding, every bus ride in the minors, every time I thought my career might be over — it all led here.”
At 29, McKinstry’s path has been anything but linear. Drafted in the 33rd round back in 2016, his journey from the Dodgers’ farm system to the big leagues has been marked by resilience and reinvention. After bouncing between the Dodgers, Cubs, and Tigers, he finally found his rhythm in Detroit — a city that embraced his hustle, grit, and blue-collar mentality like one of their own.
In 2025, McKinstry exploded offensively, posting a career-high .292 batting average with 22 home runs, 78 RBIs, and a .370 OBP — all while maintaining his trademark defensive versatility across the infield and outfield. His emergence helped power the Tigers’ offense in a season that reignited hope for fans who had longed for a spark.
“Zach became our engine,” said manager A.J. Hinch. “He didn’t just show up to play — he showed up to lead. He changed the tone in the clubhouse.”
The Silver Slugger recognition puts McKinstry in elite company, alongside names like Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, and José Ramírez — but for the humble infielder, it’s less about fame and more about proving that hard work still beats raw talent when heart is involved.
Behind the scenes, teammates describe McKinstry as the quiet worker — the guy who’s always first in the cage and last to leave. He’s known for his relentless study of opposing pitchers, often spending hours poring over video, looking for small edges.
Fans across Detroit erupted online moments after the announcement. Social media was flooded with messages like “He earned every ounce of this” and “Our Silver Slugger finally gets his flowers.”
It was a moment not just for McKinstry, but for every underdog who’s ever been told they weren’t enough. The story of a 33rd-round pick winning one of MLB’s most prestigious hitting awards has all the makings of a Hollywood script — except this one’s real.
As for what’s next, McKinstry smiled when asked about celebrating the milestone. “I’ll probably go home, hug my wife, call my parents, and then get back to work,” he said. “Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned — you never stop chasing the next swing.”
For Detroit fans, this victory means more than statistics or trophies. It’s a symbol of perseverance — and a reminder that sometimes, the biggest home runs come from the players no one saw coming.
Congratulations, Zach McKinstry — from a 33rd-round pick to Silver Slugger. The baseball world is finally watching.
Leave a Reply