Rumor: Two names linked to Detroit Tigers GM opening

The Detroit Tigers are still on the hunt for a general manager

Last week, we published an article where we wondered when new Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris would hire a GM. Now, it appears the search is finally starting to move along.

Rogelio Castillo of Woodward Sports (and formerly of Motor City Bengals) reports two names the Detroit Tigers have expressed interest in during their search for a new GM. The first is Cardinals scouting director Randy Flores, who has been linked to other front office openings around the league. So much so, that the Cardinals recently gave him a contract extention.

The other name is Yankees assistant director of amateur scouting Mitch Colahan, though Castillo notes it’s unclear whether he’s a candidate for the GM or the Tigers next scouting director.

Flores would be an outstanding hire given his drafting acumen with the Cardinals. Names drafted during his tenure as scouting director include Dakota Hudson, Dylan Carlson, Nolan Gorman, and current top prospect Jordan Walker, among others. 2016 sixth-rounder Tommy Edman had a 6.3 bWAR in 2022. But given that he just signed an extention with St. Louis, Scott Harris and company may have to look elsewhere.

There isn’t much information available on Colahan. According to his LinkedIn page, he was promoted to his current position in Aug. 2019. For the previous three years, he was an amatuer scout. He does his work in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area in Florida. Scouting director may seem like a logical fit for him given that’s where most of his work has been. Going from assistant amateur scouting director to GM would be quite the jump.

It’s tough to know what Scott Harris may be looking for in a GM, or what role the GM will play in his front office. He could be looking for someone he’s worked with in the past, or he could not be. The GM could handle things like player transactions, or they could have a smaller role. These are both huge factors in the search.

It’s nice to finally see some names attached to the Tigers GM search. Things had been very quiet on that front, but now it appears things may finally be picking up steam. Hopefully we will get news of a hire soon.