Tigers Secure Hinch’s Continuity and Bet on Retaining Skubal

Tigers Secure the Future: Contract Extension for Hinch and Support for Skubal

Detroit Tigers general manager Scott Harris announced the extension of manager A.J. Hinch’s contract through the 2025 season. In addition, he confirmed that the team’s management is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure the long-term retention of ace Tarik Skubal. Harris and Hinch held a press conference on Monday morning, evaluating the season that ended last week with a 15-inning loss to Seattle in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. They also looked ahead to the future.

“I wish we weren’t here right now. I wish we were in Toronto, getting ready for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.”

Scott Harris, Tigers General Manager

Harris revealed that he approached Hinch during the season, the manager’s fifth in Detroit, to extend his contract for a second time, quickly reaching an agreement. Previously, Harris had also signed Hinch to a long-term contract in 2023.

“He’s one of the best managers in the game,” Harris said.

Scott Harris, Tigers General Manager

Harris did not specify the length of Hinch’s new contract.

“We want him to be here as long as he wants to be. I want to work with him as long as I can,” he added.

Scott Harris, Tigers General Manager

The Tigers also aim to have Skubal on the team for many years, although they recognize that keeping him will require a significant investment. Skubal, winner of the American League Cy Young Award, was the leader of the pitching triple crown in 2024. His performance included an ERA of 2.21, the lowest of his career, and a personal record of 241 strikeouts.

“He’s the best pitcher in baseball. We hope he wins a second Cy Young,” Harris commented.

Scott Harris, Tigers General Manager

Skubal signed a one-year contract for $10.15 million during the previous offseason, avoiding salary arbitration, and will become a free agent after the 2026 season. To prevent Skubal from reaching the market, the team owner, Chris Ilitch, will have to make a million-dollar investment. Harris assured that Ilitch will back the organization with the necessary resources for the payroll, including what is required to keep the 28-year-old left-handed pitcher long-term.

“I have no concerns about it,” Harris assured.

Scott Harris, General Manager of the Tigers

Harris did express concern about the Tigers’ collapse in September, where they squandered the largest lead in division or league history, and about their poor offensive performance in the postseason.

“I deserve these questions and we deserve the negative narrative surrounding this team,” he stated.

Scott Harris, Tigers General Manager

Detroit led the league for much of the season, but suffered a slump at the trade deadline, when Harris didn’t make any major acquisitions. Although Harris doesn’t regret having turned down the pitchers offered, he acknowledged that it’s valid to question why a batter wasn’t added to the lineup.

“Maybe we should have done it”, he concluded.

Scott Harris, General Manager of the Tigers