Report: AJ Hinch favorite to become next Detroit Tigers manager originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Fresh off his season-long suspension after getting fired from the Astros in January, AJ Hinch is reportedly now the favorite to become the next manager of the Detroit Tigers.
Following their third season in the basement of the AL Cental standings in the last four seasons, Detroit's former manager Ron Gardenhire, 66, retired with a week left in the season due to deterioating health. Hinch, along with ex-Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow, was fired for their involvement in the infamous sign-stealing scandal.
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While the MLB branded no punishments to the players on the Astros involved in the cheating scandal thanks to their cooperation in the league's investigation, Hinch and Luhnow were made examples of in the baseball world.
Now that the World Series concluded on Tuesday, Hinch's suspension is up and is available to be back in business in the managerial scene. Detroit general manager Al Avila reportedly said the club hadn't ruled out Hinch or Alex Cora, the former Boston Red Sox manager who was also fired due to involvement in the sign-stealing scandal.
The sports world is quick to give second chances. For Hinch's potential second shot, he'll have lots of work to do to get the Tigers in a position to fight for postseason contention.
