DETROIT _ Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila is receiving a multi-year contract extension, the Free Press learned on Friday.
The team announced the news just before holding a 3 p.m. news conference at Comerica Park. The release did not clarify how long the extension was for.
"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 news release. "I've been impressed with Al's leadership and focus, and the steadfast way he has led our baseball operations since becoming general manager.
"Al has methodically implemented his plan, and the execution of that plan has demonstrated progress and results in scouting, drafting, player development and analytics. I am especially pleased with the progress we have made in securing a stable of talented prospects which bodes well for our future. Al has a proven track record in this game, and his nearly three decades of experience is paying dividends in this rebuilding phase."
Avila's contract was set to expire after the 2020 season.
Avila, 60, was promoted to general manager in 2015, replacing Dave Dombrowski. He has overseen the franchise's transition from World Series contender to full rebuild mode, which hit a fever pitch when the Tigers began trading off their remaining valuable assets and loading up on prospects during the 2017 season, after the team fell out of contention.
