Report: Tigers to interview Fredi Gonzalez for managerial opening

Fredi Gonzalez could soon be back in the game as a manager.

According to a report by Katie Strang of The Athletic on Tuesday, the Detroit Tigers, who recently announced that they will not be bringing back manager Brad Ausmus in 2018, will interview Gonzalez for the job.

More from Strang:

Gonzalez was described as “ideal” in terms of fit for a young, rebuilding Tigers by one MLB executive, who said that the Bobby Cox protege was “all-substance” from a communications standpoint.

Recently, several Tigers players cited strong communication skills as their top request with regards to qualities desired in an incoming manager.

The 53-year-old Gonzalez, who is currently a third base coach for the Miami Marlins, previously managed the Atlanta Braves from 2011 to 2016. He also had a stint managing the Marlins from 2007 to 2010 and holds a career record of 710-692 (.506), albeit with just two appearances in the postseason.

Big-league experience is not necessarily a prerequisite for the position given the other candidates that the Tigers are also considering. But as noted above, Gonzalez is an excellent communicator and has presided over multiple 90-plus-win seasons in the past, so he should make a strong case for the gig.