MLB insider: Tigers Scott Harris hire ‘shocked’ front offices around baseball

The Detroit Tigers pulled off a surprising hire, naming former Giants general manager Scott Harris their president of baseball operations.

Harris is a stellar hire for Chris Ilitch and Co., as the Tigers are in the midst of what can only be described as a disappointing season. Detroit was expected to make a leap this year under A.J. Hinch, as they’re just one season removed from a 77-win campaign, and added talent in the offseason.

2022 did not go as expected, and as a result, Al Avila was shown the door. The Tigers needed a strong replacement, and got one in Harris. Front offices around baseball were surprised — not because Harris isn’t qualified — but because the hire came out of left field. Baseball people believed that Eric Byrnes and Jason McLeod were among the most serious candidates, but Harris always lurked as a serious option.

Tigers pull off a surprise with Scott Harris hire

The Harris hire came out of left field, both to the public and people throughout baseball. “Shocked” is how one front office official described his reaction to the news. But it continues a meteoric rise for Harris, 34, who has worked alongside Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Farhan Zaidi in recent years.

Harris is tasked with rebuilding a Tigers roster and farm system that consistently underwhelmed under former GM Al Avila. He will also work together with manager AJ Hinch in facilitating that plan, giving the Tigers arguably their most exciting tandem of leaders in recent team history.

Replacing Harris will be challenging for the Giants — they loved him — but the job is highly coveted in baseball circles. They should have no problem filling the role that works hand-in-hand with Zaidi. They just didn’t expect to have to replace Harris, especially only three years after hiring him away from the Chicago Cubs.

Detroit needed to make a big swing, especially after their 2021 offseason. With Harris in tow months before the winter meetings, the Tigers are ahead of schedule.