Detroit Tigers Manager Odds: A.J. Hinch Favored Following Interview
The Detroit Tigers have big hopes for the 2021 season. With a nice mix of veterans and a ton of youth, Tigers fans can’t wait for next spring to arrive. One thing the Tigers brass didn’t expect to be on the offseason agenda was finding a new manager. However, that has become priority No. 1.
Detroit Tigers Manager search underway
After Ron Gardenhire shocked the origination by announcing his retirement effective immediately last September, the Tigers brass were left scratching their heads.
While 2020 was Gardenhire’s final year of his contract, most fans believed that he would be back in 2021 – even if it was just on a year deal. After all, the team’s talent level has increased dramatically over the past two seasons and it would be nice to see Gardy reap some benefits and a bit of praise in 2021. Remember, Gardy didn’t inherit a squad that was really, well, top MLB caliber.
Now that Gardenhire has stepped down, the search for the next Tigers leader is in full gear.
A.J. Hinch Favored following interview
The Tigers reportedly interviewed former Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch on Thursday according to Jon Morosi.
Hinch, was suspended for the 2020 season after an investigation into the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. He is eligible to return to the game in 2021. The former Tigers catcher has compiled a 481-329 record as a manager during his time with the Diamondbacks and Astros.
The Tigers have been rumored to have a strong interest in Hinch since Gardenhire’s announcement to retire. The fact that he was interviewed so quickly after the World Series concluded proves just that.
Other names mentioned include Alex Cora, Lance Parrish, George Lombard, and Marcus Thames.
