The Detroit Tigers exceeded Major League Baseball's luxury tax limit, a $189 million payroll, for the first time in the 2016 season with a payroll close to $200 million.

As a result, the team was taxed at 17.5 percent.

And it appears Detroit's aiming for that not to be the case in 2017.

During his season-ending presser on Tuesday, Tigers general manager Al Avila said the team wants to get "younger" and "leaner," reports MLB.com's Jason Beck.

"We want to run the organization without having to go over our means," Avila said.

This is a departure from typical business dealings of the Tigers over the last decade. Owner Mike Ilitch is known for an all-in approach, spending as much as necessary and trading away prospects for big-name players in an elusive quest for a World Series crown.

Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports that Avila doesn't consider the Tigers' offseason plans as a rebuilding or retooling, and he hopes the team will be able to compete next season.

There's a chance the Tigers might have to part with some of their key players in deals if the youth movement is to happen, Fenech reports, noting Avila said "that's a tight rope we have to walk on" when it comes to addressing the need to get younger, cut payroll and remain competitive.

In another departure from recent years, Avila said the Tigers won't likely be big players in the free-agent market in the offseason, per Fenech. The exception is the search for a backup catcher. Fenech writes that Avila said former Tiger Alex Avila, his son, would be considered.

Alex Avila, 29, would be open to returning to the Tigers, reports Tony Paul of the Detroit News. Avila had a .213/.359/.373 line in 57 games with the Chicago White Sox this season. Prior to his time on the South Side, he spent seven seasons with the Tigers (2009-15). Avila was the starting catcher for the American League in the 2011 All-Star game.

Al Avila also said the Tigers have yet to decide whether they will exercise the team options of center fielder Cameron Maybin and closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Maybin, 29, has a $9 million option, or $1 million buyout, for 2017. He had a .315/.383/.418 line, 43 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 94 games this season, in which he battled a nagging left thumb injury.

Maybin, who, when in the lineup, routinely gave the Tigers a noticeable spark of energy, has expressed he'd like to stay with Detroit but realizes the circumstances are out of his control.

Rodriguez provided reliability in the closer role -- something Tigers fans haven't exactly grown accustomed to. In 61 appearances, the 34-year-old righty was 44-for-49 in save opportunities with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, striking out 52 batters in 58 1/3 innings.

Rodriguez has a $6 million option or $2 million buyout for 2017.

--Alex Tekip