Rumor: Detroit Tigers’ pitching coach Chris Fetter linked to Michigan job

Chris Fetter could leave to coach for his alma mater

Last night it was reported that Michigan baseball coach Erik Bakich would be leaving for Clemson. Among the names rumored to potentially fill the void is Detroit Tigers‘ pitching coach Chris Fetter.

Fetter was Bakich’s pitching coach at Michigan from 2017-2020. He also pitched for the Wolverines as a player. Clearly he has lots of Michigan connections, so it makes sense that he’d be linked to the job.

Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch was asked about this before Wednesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. Here’s what he had to say:

"“I knew that question was coming. I’m not surprised that the rumors have started. From what I understand there’s been no contact or anything like that yet…We love Fett. He’s very talented. He can do anything at this level, or certainly the college level. We have to do everything we can to keep him. He’s a big part of what we’re doing.”"

This wouldn’t be the first time that the Tigers have lost a coach midseason. Last year, they lost both assistant hitting coach Jose Cruz Jr. and third base coach Chip Hale to college head coaching gigs.

MLB Network’s Jon Paul Morosi has reported that Fetter could indeed be on Michigan’s list. However, Tony Paul of The Detroit News seems to get the impression that it isn’t likely he gets the job. Other names linked to the job include former Tiger Brandon Inge and Central Michigan coach Jordan Bischel.

Losing Chris Fetter would be the icing on the cake for the disaster that has been the 2022 Detroit Tigers season. He’s by far the most important member of the coaching staff. You can attribute the overachievement of the bullpen and the starting staff not being a disaster despite all the injuries to him. If they lose him, it would be catastrophic.