The Detroit Tigers made things official in October, hiring A.J. Hinch as their new manager following the retirement of Ron Gardenhire near the end of the 2020 regular season.
The move has garnered positive reaction from the likes of former Tigers manager Jim Leyland and former ace Justin Verlander, as well as players on the current roster.
And now, a major figure in the future of the Tigers has offered his thoughts.
Pitcher Casey Mize, who is the 3rd ranked prospect within the organization, conducted a virtual interview with Fox Sports Detroit’s Brooke Fletcher and shared his perspective on what Hinch will bring to the team.
“We had a conversation on the phone,” Mize said. “He told us he watched a few of my games and kept up with the TIgers as a whole. I think he’ll bring a lot to us and just a winning mentality. I know his mindset is to win every day, and I really like that. I think he’ll change the culture, which I really value.”
Mize made his professional debut earlier this year, finishing with 26 strikeouts and a 6.99 ERA. He also took a no-hitter into the 6th inning against the Chicago White Sox in September.
As far as what he’s been doing in recent weeks, Mize admitted that there’s not much exciting things going on.
“I’ve just been training and working and haningng out with family,” he said. It’s kind of been a boring off-season really, but it is what it is.”
– – Quotes courtesy of Fox Sports Detroit Link – –
