The Detroit Tigers have made it clear: they want stability at the helm. For a franchise that’s spent years rebuilding its identity, this move signals confidence in the direction, and in the leadership guiding it.
During a press conference after the Tigers were eliminated from the postseason, President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris formally confirmed that the team had extended manager A.J. Hinch’s contract.
“I’m so happy being in Detroit,” Hinch said. “I’m so proud to be the manager here. I love working for Scott. It’s the second time that I was approached and asked for more, and it’s an immediate yes for me.
“When you have an environment that both pushes you and satisfied you, you want to be in it. I was honored. I was thrilled. It was one conversation with my wife, and I went back to Scott with an immediate ’yes,’ and off we went.”
Mutual Commitment Behind Closed Doors
The Tigers have now proactively extended their manager twice (once previously in 2023 and again this season), something Harris said reflects both long-term trust and shared vision for the franchise.
“We have now proactively extended him twice because we want him to be here as long as he’s willing to be here,” Harris said. “And I want to work with him as long as I can possibly work with him.”
That mutual commitment has become one of the cornerstones of Detroit’s rebuild. Both Harris and his manager speak often about alignment–not just in strategy, but in culture and communication. The consistent message: the Tigers are building something designed to last, not just to compete for a season or two.
As for the contract itself, the organization isn’t offering any specifics, and doesn’t plan to. Harris reiterated that the club keeps all non-player contract details private.
“We have an organizational policy to not share terms for non-player contracts,” he explained. “We will share all terms for player contracts, but we’re not going to share terms for ours.”
From Rebuild to Postseason Contender
When Hinch came aboard in 2020 under then, GM Al Avila, the Tigers were in the midst of yet another rebuild. Over his tenure, he has weathered front office turnover, roster youth, and scrutiny. But in recent seasons, Detroit has begun to see returns on that patience: multiple postseason appearances, a culture shift, and the emergence of homegrown talent under the steadier hand of the coaching staff.
“I absolutely love working with A.J.,” Harris said. “I think he’s one of the best managers in the game.”
Hinch’s managerial record with Detroit now matches the number of seasons he spent in Houston (5), and across his 12-year career, he holds a solid overall winning mark. He’s also climbing the Tigers’ all-time win list (394); he could overtake Del Baker (417) and Ty Cobb (479) in the near future if the success continues.
But success hasn’t come without drama. In the team’s recent ALDS exit, Hinch’s decision to pull ace Tarik Skubal after six dominant innings drew scrutiny. Skubal had racked up 13 strikeouts and allowed just one run, yet Hinch explained that pitch count, fatigue, and emotional exertion drove the decision. The move ultimately backfired, as the bullpen gave up the tie and Detroit’s season ended in a 15-inning loss.
Risks, Expectations, and the Road Ahead
With the extension in place, expectations intensify. Detroit’s fan base has grown more patient, but pressure will mount to move past mere postseason appearances and into deeper runs. Conservative decision-making, especially in high-leverage postseason games, will come under more scrutiny than ever.
The Tigers must balance that pressure with continued roster development. Hinch has emphasized the value of internal cultivation, linking the Major League club to its Minor League system and seeking an environment where young players “come up to be comfortable yet pushed.” The coaching staff’s continuity will be vital; while no final decisions were announced regarding retention, evaluating how to improve is already a priority.
“… I can’t tell you how proud I am to be the manager of the Tigers,” Hinch said. “It’s a rewarding place to be. I bought a home here. We live here the majority of the year and we continue to be thrilled to become more and more Michiganders as a family.”
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