3 key questions the new Detroit Tigers GM needs an answer to

As the Detroit Tigers begin their interview process for GM candidates, these three questions need to be asked

After seven seasons and a complete teardown, the Detroit Tigers and owner Chris Illitch decided to move on from their GM Al Avila. Avila was tasked with a tough assignment–offload pricey veterans and endure losing in hopes that their homegrown talent would eventually star in the major leagues.

In the first season the Detroit Tigers held any amount of expectations, they regressed–and that regression was the main reason the club decided to move on. The timing was a bit of a question mark for the dismissal, but allowing a new regime to handle the draft and trade deadline would have been a difficult task and the club now has a leg up on other teams who might be on the same hunt at season’s end.

While there has been contention and cynicism around ownership’s ability to hire the correct candidate, they will undoubtedly have a slew of smart baseball minds to choose from with the consultation of manager A.J. Hinch.

While I am not privy to the interview process as it pertains to baseball executives, a large topic of discussion has to be a holistic assessment of the organization and where that candidate feels are the next steps to ensure organizational success. Particularly, Chris’ mantra regarding the Detroit Tigers revolves around building a sustained winner that can contend for the playoffs each year and ultimately a World Series.

There are, however, particular questions that should be asked of each candidate that I’d be fascinated to know. The answers to these questions will ultimately determine if the Detroit Tigers will contend for a playoff spot next season but it will also mold future teams with their decisions made this offseason.