There was a time when Zach McKinstry didn’t know if he could afford to make it to practice. His car was running on fumes, his wallet nearly empty, and his dream of playing in the big leagues hung by a thread.
Now, he’s signing a $4.5 million contract with the Detroit Tigers — and the same player who once borrowed gas money just to chase a dream is being rewarded for never giving up on it.
“I remember calling my wife and saying, ‘I’m not sure we can afford the next week,’” McKinstry recalled. “But quitting was never an option. Baseball was all I had.”
For McKinstry, this moment isn’t just a payday — it’s proof of perseverance. Drafted in the 33rd round in 2016, he entered professional baseball as a long shot, a name that barely made it past the draft ticker. Most players drafted that late don’t make it to Double-A, let alone the majors. But McKinstry’s story has always been about defying odds.
His early years were filled with uncertainty. The paychecks from the minor leagues barely covered basic expenses. There were nights he slept on teammates’ couches, skipped meals, and drove across states on borrowed fuel. But through every obstacle, he kept swinging — for a dream, for a future, for something bigger than himself.
“You learn humility real fast in this game,” he said. “When you’re struggling to survive, every at-bat means everything.”
In 2024, McKinstry proved his value to the Tigers as a versatile player — a rare mix of defensive flexibility and consistent hustle that earned him respect in the clubhouse and the trust of manager A.J. Hinch. He may not have been the star on the marquee, but his work ethic became contagious.
“He’s the kind of guy every winning team needs,” Hinch said. “He’s gritty, unselfish, and plays the game the right way.”
The new $4.5 million deal is a reward, but also a recognition — that in a sport dominated by money and talent, heart still matters. For Detroit, it’s a symbol of what they’re trying to build: resilience, integrity, and players who represent the city’s blue-collar DNA.
For McKinstry, it’s a reminder of how far he’s come. “Every time I step on the field, I think about those days — the struggle, the doubt. It keeps me grounded,” he said. “It makes this moment even more special.”
His wife, who stood by him through the leanest years, couldn’t hold back tears when the deal was finalized. “We went from borrowing to believing,” she said. “And now, he’s finally where he belongs.”
Zach McKinstry’s story isn’t just about a contract. It’s about the road that led to it — the gas station moments, the late-night bus rides, the silent prayers.
It’s a story of faith rewarded.
And in Detroit, it’s a story that every fan can see themselves in.
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