Tigers, manager A.J. Hinch agree to contract extension

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have signed manager A.J. Hinch to a contract extension, president of baseball operations Scott Harris announced Monday.

Hinch has a 394-416 record after five seasons in Detroit. The Tigers are coming off back-to-back playoff berths, their 2025 season recently ending in a 15-inning Game 5 loss to the Seattle Mariners in the American League Division Series.

Hinch signed with the Tigers in 2020 in the wake of a one-year suspension stemming from the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Hinch’s initial deal was believed to run through 2025, and he previously received a “long-term” extension of unknown length after the 2023 season, which was Harris’ first as president of baseball operations.

The terms and length of Hinch’s new deal are also unknown. But it is worth noting Hinch signed his previous extension before Craig Counsell (five years, $40 million) and Alex Cora (three years, $21.75 million) signed lucrative, record-breaking deals for MLB managers. Hinch is regarded as one of the sport’s best tactical managers and has played a central role in building the organization over the past five years.

The Tigers do not disclose contract details for coaches and executives.