The Detroit Tigers announced a contract extension Friday for GM Al Avila. However, the terms and length of the extension were not announced.
The Detroit Tigers have given general manager Al Avila a multi-year contract extension.
Tigers officials announced the decision during a Friday afternoon press conference, although specific terms – including both the length of the extension and salary – were not disclosed.
Avila, who is 60, has been Tigers general manager since succeeding Dave Dombrowski late in the 2015 season. Dombrowski left the Tigers to become president of the Boston Red Sox.
"“It’s clear to anyone that follows Tigers baseball that our organization is undergoing a significant transformation,” Detroit Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch said in a prepared statement. He described himself as “impressed with Al’s leadership and focus, and the steadfast way he has led our baseball operations since becoming general manager.”"
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In his first three seasons as general manager, Avila has presided over Tiger teams that have compiled a combined 214-271 record, which translates to a .441 winning percentage. Through the first half of the 2019 season, the Tigers are 28-54.
Avila’s administration has been viewed as hamstrung by a player payroll that has been disproportionately high compared with team revenues. Data compiled by Statista.com, a site specializing in the finances of professional athletics, lists the Tigers as 19th in team revenues for 2018 at $276 million. During the 2018 season, the front office for the first time in several seasons got its spending in line with that revenue reality.
That retrenchment, however, has made Avila’s task of re-energizing the roster more difficult. It has also dampened enthusiasm among fans; Detroit ranks 26th in home attendance this season.
Ilitch looked past the team’s record to a process he found reassuring.
“Al has methodically implemented his plan, and the execution of that plan has demonstrated progress and results in scouting, drafting, player development and analytics,” he said. “I am especially pleased with the progress we have made in securing a stable of talented prospects which bodes well for our future.
Just last week the Tigers signed touted 16-year-old Cuban outfielder Roberto Campos, and Avila joked at the time that he hopes to be around to see Campos made the big league roster. His contract had been set to expire at the conclusion of the 2010 season.