Detroit Tigers still haven’t decided on a manager. Former Marlins player and manager Mike Redmond is a reported option
The search for manager rolls on for the Detroit Tigers. The club is taking a methodical approach with the opening, on par with the way they typically do business. Beyond that, many of the candidates have been involved with the MLB Postseason, so waiting until the candidates have left their bubbles makes sense. We have covered several of the candidates already, including AJ Hinch, Fredi Gonzalez, Lloyd McClendon, Will Venable, Don Kelly, Marcus Thames, and George Lombard. Mike Redmond is another potential candidate for the opening as reported by MLB Network’s JP Morosi:
The team is beginning to narrow their list with initial interviews starting on Zoom before scheduling in-person interviews:
Background
Redmond serves as a journeyman backup catcher in the major leagues; never playing over 88 games in a single season, but was able to sustain a big-league career across 13 seasons. In its totality, he would slash .287/.342/.358 with the Marlins, Twins, and Indians. After his playing career, he managed the Marlins for three years across his age 42-44 seasons and amassed a 155-207 record as a skipper.
Redmond currently serves as the bench coach for the Colorado Rockies, who finished fourth in the NL West in 2020.
Why Mike Redmond Would Work as Detroit Tigers Manager
Redmond does have what the Detroit Tigers have said to be looking for: experience. With three seasons of managing under his belt along with his bench coach duties, he is someone that is still fresh in the game and relatively young at 49.
Redmond knows the Central division well from his playing days and additionally has some familiarity with Al Avila, for whom he played for back in his Marlins days. He also seems to take a fairly hands-on approach, which might be a welcomed skill for the upcoming prospects:
Why Redmond Would Not Work for the Detroit Tigers
Simply, Redmond does not have a track record of coaching success at any level or any capacity. The hand he was dealt with each of his stops was not a strong one, but for a team that is said to begin their process of ‘building up,’ they make look to an option that has more pedigree in the field.
While Redmond does deserve a fair look for the position, I would be surprised if the Detroit Tigers went this direction for 2021 and beyond; especially after the new report that the Tigers are considering former Red Sox manager Alex Cora for the position as well.