The Detroit Tigers are the first team to have found a new manager this winter. According to a media report, Ron Gardenhire will succeed Brad Ausmus, whose contract has not been renewed.
Gardenhire was one of ten candidates interviewed by the Tigers. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the 59-year-old, who served as Arizona Diamondbacks’ benchmark coach in 2017, was elected. Only the last details had to be clarified before the signature.
Gardenhire has extensive managerial experience, having spent 13 years in charge of the Minnesota Twins, where he achieved a 51 percent (1068-1049) win rate. Other candidates who have been in contact with the Tigers officials include Astros Bench Coach Alex Cora, Rockies Bench Coach Mike Redmond and Marlin’s Third Base Coach Fredi Gonzalez.
The Athletic argues that the decisive factor was the fact that Gardenhire already has extensive experience as a manager, having been hired as a newcomer with Ausmus. Ausmus won the American League Central title with the Tigers, but did not reach the playoffs after that. Two weeks before the end of the season, he was finally informed that his expiring contract would not be renewed.
According to media reports, Gardenhire was also a promising candidate for managerial position at the Boston Red Sox.
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