The Detroit Tigers exercised their 2017 option on the contract of manager Brad Ausmus, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News

"Brad was instrumental in leading the team through adversity and with the development of our younger players, particularly the young starting pitchers," general manager Al Avila said in a released statement. "The team improved from last season, and under the leadership of Brad and his coaching staff, the ballclub kept fighting, and remained in contention for the postseason. Moving forward we want to build off that progress."

Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus #7 talks with the umpires during the disputed call in the fifth inning of the game against the Cleveland Indians on June 26, 2016 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (June 25, 2016 - Source: Leon Halip/Getty Images North America)
Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus #7 talks with the umpires during the disputed call in the fifth inning | Source: Leon Halip - Getty Images

The Tigers announced the deal to bring back Ausmus, 47, on Wednesday afternoon. Ausmus took over for Jim Leyland following the 2013 season. 

Detroit remained in the American League Wild Card hunt all year even with multiple injuries. The team finished with a record of 86-75. Through his first three seasons with the Tigers, Ausmus owns a 250-234 managerial record. 

Manager Brad Ausmus #7 of the Detroit Tigers covers home plate with his jacket after being ejected for arguing when Nick Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers was called out on strikes by home plate umpire Jeff Nelson in the fourth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park on May 16, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. (May 15, 2016 - Source: Duane Burleson/Getty Images North America)
Manager Brad Ausmus #7 of the Detroit Tigers covers home plate with his jacket after being ejected for arguing when Nick Castellanos #9 of the Detroit Tigers was called out on strikes by home plate umpire Jeff Nelson | Source: Duane Burleson - Getty Images

Believe it or not, his time with Detroit has been his first major league managerial position. However, he did manage Israel's team for the World Baseball Classic. Ausmus played catcher in the majors from 1993 to 2010. 

The Tigers have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

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About the author
Evan Petzold
Evan Petzold is a Detroit-based journalist with expertise in covering the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings. A member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA) and Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association (DBSA), he brings a unique skill set in reporting and broadcasting to the table.