Anthony Fenech | Detroit Free Press

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Duane Burleson, AP

It’s logical to think a decision has been made on Brad Ausmus’ future as Detroit Tigers manager.

With the team far out of postseason contention and recently stripped of two of its best players, general manager Al Avila’s decision to bring him back likely won’t hinge on what will be a lost September in the standings.

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But one of the main reasons Avila brought Ausmus back after assuming the GM role in 2015 was because of the development of the Tigers’ young players. Now, facing a rebuild which will revolve around young players, could Ausmus’ chances to remain with the team have increased with the recent trades?

“There’s a lot of different possibilities,” Avila said on Friday afternoon, when asked about Ausmus coming back. “I can’t say that’s out of the question. Really, we could.”

Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

Avila said he has not yet spoken to Ausmus about his status for next season. Ausmus’ contract expires at the end of the year. The Tigers picked up his one-year option at the conclusion of last season. He is 308-312 in four seasons.

“It’s something that me and him will sit down and at some point, when we have some time and things settle down, we’ll see where that goes,” Avila said.

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The rebuild situation could also have decreased Ausmus’ chances: Perhaps with the team now accepting of their situation for the next few seasons, Avila would elect to choose a clean slate for 2018, coaches included.

Maybe Avila has seen Ausmus grow enough as a manager in the past few years and believes at his young managerial age, he could be the right man for the job when the team hopes they will be competitive again.

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On Friday, Ausmus – as always – declined to speak about his future.

“I think there’s a lot of upside to young players,” he said. “Experience is great but there’s a lot of upside to young players because of the enthusiasm and energy and the will to learn. But I won’t talk about my situation.”