AL Manager of the Year – Brad Ausmus, Detroit Tigers
It was initially reported last season that the Tigers were parting ways with their skipper, but they ended up keeping him on board. After a fairly active offseason, that’s looking like a good decision. The former catcher has proven to be a solid tactician and he will get the most out of Detroit in 2016.
All signs point to a resurgence in the Motor City in 2016, although they will have competition at every turn in the deep AL Central. Ausmus should steer them in the right direction, though, and keep them in the hunt.
When people vote for Manager of the Year, they’re generally looking for a team that turned things around or returned to dominance after a year or two off. Ausmus’ Tigers fit into the latter category as they got used to winning the division until a season ago. If they make the playoffs, Ausmus is a good bet for the award.