Detroit sports fans already cannot believe it: Brad Ausmus will be back.
After Ausmus' demise as the manager of the Detroit Tigers following this 2015 season seemed (and was reported to be) inevitable, Al Avila announced on Saturday afternoon that Brad will return to manage the team for 2016.
Official statement
"For the past two months there has been an on-going evaluation process of our baseball operations. Most notably at the Major League level with our players, the manager and the coaching staff. On Friday afternoon, I met with manager Brad Ausmus and during our discussion I told him I wanted him to continue as manager of the Tigers in 2016. Brad said he wanted to continue managing the Tigers. It is my belief, and our collective belief within our baseball operations department, that Brad is the right manager for this team given where the team is, at this point in time, and for us to achieve our goals in 2016."
Avila added, "Collectively our goal is to bring a World Championship to Tigers fans who support this team night in and night out. We are working together every day to be the best we can today, and rest assured we will make the necessary adjustments needed along the way."
Avila informed Ausmus that he will return for next season on Friday prior to the series-opening game between the Tigers and the Minnesota Twins before he told the coaching staff, the players, then the media on Saturday.
"I believe that Brad has the talent, the know how to lead and mentor the young players that are on this team," Avila said. "They've shown great improvement. Guys like James McCann, (Nick) Castellanos, Anthony Gose. These guys have improved under Brad and his staff."
"He also has the backing and respect of the veteran players on this team."
Tigers owner Mike Ilitch left the decision up to Avila. When Avila made it known to him that he decided to keep Ausmus around for 2016, Ilitch gave him his blessing, saying "let's move forward."
His preparation and impact on young players (especially those acquired at the trade deadline) are cited by Avila as reasons for keeping the 46-year-old manager around.
Ahead of the 2014 season, Ausmus signed a three-year contract with the team, meaning 2016 will mark his final year. The Tigers have a team option for 2017.
Avila also noted that the rest of the coaching staff will return as is for next season.
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