The Detroit Tigers have hired San Francisco Giants general manager Scott Harris as their new president of baseball operations.

Harris has spent the past three seasons with the Giants, having previously been with the Chicago Cubs over seven years where he ascended to assistant general manager.

The Tigers have hired Harris to replace long-time general manager Al Avila who was fired in August.

Detroit had high ambitions for the 2022 season, having invested $230 million on Javier Baez, Eduardo Rodriguez and Andrew Chafin. Instead, the Tigers have the fourth-worst record (55-91) in the majors this season.

Tigers chairman and CEO Christopher Ilitch said: "Scott's vision for how to construct a baseball organization to compete and win in the modern game is impressive.

"His leadership ability is polished from both his experience as an executive at multiple levels and mentorship from some of the game's most talented baseball operations leaders. Scott is a difference maker, innovator and fiercely competitive, always looking for an edge."

Long-time Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila was dismissed on Wednesday with his side sitting last in the American League (AL) Central division.

Avila has been involved with the Tigers since 2002, being elevated to general manager in 2015 while also working as executive vice president of baseball operations.

The 64-year-old's dismissal comes with the Tigers holding a 43-68 record with a minus-122 run differential, having come into 2022 with increased expectations.

Detroit's long rebuild was declared over in pre-season, having missed the playoffs for seven straight games.

"I think heading into the season, all of us at the ballclub -- that would include the players, front office and I think many of you, if not all of you - had high expectations and excitement for the season," Tigers chairman and CEO Christopher Ilitch said in a press conference.

"Unfortunately, we did not see progress this season at the Major League level, and it's a big reason why I decided it's time to make a change."

The Tigers had finished in last place in the AL Central four times under Avila, who was the only general manager of Latin American descent in the MLB.

Ilitch added: "At this point in time, enough of the season has occurred and we’ve played enough games to where I feel as though we just have not seen progress this year.

"And I’ve been very clear year in and year out, we need to make progress each and every year. If we do that, ultimately, we will accomplish our objectives. That’s what led me to the decision."