Rob Metzler, the director of scouting for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been hired by the Detroit Tigers as vice president and deputy general manager, announced Tuesday. Metzler played with the Rays for 15 seasons, including the last seven as the organization’s senior director of amateur scouting.

 

Under the direction of Scott Harris, president of baseball operations, he will oversee the Tigers’ amateur and foreign scouting divisions.

 

Harris stated that “Rob’s record of accomplishments with the Rays speaks for itself, and his unique approach to talent acquisition will help us achieve one of our key goals: to acquire, develop, and keep young talent in Detroit.

 

Tigers management has had a number of changes in 2022, most notably the termination of longtime executive Al Avila in August after his tenure as general manager lasted seven years. After Avila left, Harris was appointed president of baseball operations.

 

Earlier this month, the Tigers also made several staff changes, including the dismissals of hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh and quality control coach Josh Paul.

 

Detroit had record of 66-96 at the end of the regular season, which was third-worst in the American League, and has missed the playoffs for the past eight years.