How are Tigers fans feeling about AJ Hinch's status for 2026 after all that's happened?

Well, that escalated quickly. The Detroit Tigers have officially blown their lead atop the American League Central, which was at an astounding 15.5 games in early July. The Cleveland Guardians, who held a 0.2% chance of winning the division on Sept. 1, landed atop of the AL Central standings with a win over Detroit on Wednesday night.

The Tigers have now lost eight games in a row and 11 of their last 12 amid what has been one of the most shocking collapses in MLB history.

Tigers fans are understandably experiencing confusion and anger, but the question is worth asking: Who are they most upset with over the slide? Is it Detroit’s manager, AJ Hinch, who deserves the most blame in their eyes?

Tigers fans are not in full agreement about AJ Hinch’s job security

We should give Hinch the chance to explain himself. And ultimately, Hinch deserves credit for not trying to sugarcoat something rotten or explain something sort of unexplainable. While some Tigers players might be trying to keep a sunny disposition amid the incessant losing, Hinch has worn the losing on his face. A few days ago, his expression was stoic and serious. But on Wednesday night, Hinch looked exhausted, desperate, and bewildered as he discussed what’s happening. Then again, who wouldn't?

Not surprisingly, scores of Tigers fans have flocked to social media in recent days to express their thoughts on the ongoing debacle, particularly as it relates to Hinch.

While some fans attributed much or all of the collapse to Hinch, others were more forgiving, and there also emerged a sector of fans shifting the blame to general manager Scott Harris and his controversial deadline performance.

In another light, another fan reminded us all that Tigers players must also be held accountable during these trying times.

Meanwhile, it was pointed out how quickly the tables can turn for MLB managers, noting that Hinch and Astros' manager Joe Espada were sitting pretty just a couple of months ago. These days, Detroit and Houston are seemingly in a toxic competition over which team can play its worst baseball when it matters most.

Now nearing the conclusion of his fifth season at the helm of Tigers, Hinch has not won a division in Detroit. Until recently, everything pointed to this being the year. The 51-year-old manager has led the Tigers to one playoff berth during his tenure, a 2024 run that ended in a 3-2 series loss to the Guardians in the ALDS.

Could this be the end of the read for Hinch in Detroit? Will the organization need a full reset if this officially ends in disaster?