Houston Astros: Hinch Gets Contract Extension

The man who helped lead the Houston Astros to their first-ever World Series title gets a contract extension.

The Houston Astros announced Thursday morning that they signed A.J Hinch to a contract extension through the 2022 season with a 2019 option.

Ever since the Astros hired AJ in 2014, he has had a career record of 353-266, which include the postseason trips in 2015 and 2017. He is fifth all-time in Astros history in win total.

A. J. Hinch could not be more excited to stay with the Astros organization, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com

"“To be the manager of the Houston Astros means the world to me,” Hinch said. “Who wouldn’t sign up to be the manager of the Houston Astros? To the players who are in the back of the room: To be your manager is by far the best job in the world.”"

Both Astros owner Jim Crane and GM Jeff Luhnow could not be happier with Hinch’s performance as manager of the Houston Astros per Brian McTaggart.

Crane said that AJ certainly deserves it,

"“AJ has done a tremendous job since taking over our ballclub,” said Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane. “He knows the game extremely well, he knows his players and knows how to win. We have had a lot of success over the past three seasons, and AJ is a big reason. And, he has been very supportive of our off-the-field efforts as well. AJ has certainly earned this extension.”"

Astros GM Jeff Luhnow echoed that statement from Crane with the following,

"“AJ has played a key role in our team success and is one of the most effective managers in baseball. He is aligned with the vision of our front office, has made a great connection with our players, and has earned the respect of everyone in the clubhouse. Looking ahead, our goal is to win multiple championships. AJ is unquestionably the best manager to help us achieve this goal.”"

I’ll be honest, when the Astros hired A. J. to be apart of the Astros rebuilding process, I was not impressed because he didn’t have the greatest track record with the Arizona Diamondbacks (89-123 in two seasons). I just couldn’t see him as being the man to get the job done.

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However, in four years as the manager the Astros, he has certainly exceeded my expectations.  He bought into “Astroball” and helped lead this franchise to it’s first ever World Series title amidst Hurricane Harvey and it’s horrific effects on the city of Houston. He is definitely the right man to lead the Astros for the foreseeable future. He loves the Astros organization and the city of Houston.

Nonetheless, I still think he can do a better job of managing pitchers. I think sometimes he leaves guys in the game to long. Especially if the opposing offense is making a rally. So, there are definitely things he needs to work on but, this is the right move for this organization.

Locking Hinch down now is the right move because he manages this young team well overall and he knows how to get the best out of him. So, good job on Luhnow getting this done.

Congrats to A.J. and to the Houston Astros. Here’s to many more years of successful seasons.