MLB Manager Rumors 10-19

The MLB manager rumors are really heating up. The first domino to fall was Joe Maddon who has signed on to manage the Los Angeles Angels. Maddon to the Angels was expected once he was let go by the Chicago Cubs and the Angels fired Brad Ausmus.

There are seven major league manager openings and the list of candidates has grown every day. Let’s look at the latest MLB manager rumors.

Big Apple Boss

The New York Mets have increased their list of managerial candidates. You can add former players Skip Schumaker and Tim Bogar to the list. Bogar played four seasons with the Mets. The Mets have now officially interviewed eight candidates. Only Joe Girardi has had prior major league managerial experience. Although Bogar was an interim manager with the Texas Rangers and also was a manager in the minor leagues.

According to the New York Post Girardi does check a lot of the boxes Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen is looking for. Van Wagenen may have reservations about Girardi connecting with the players. The speculation around the Mets is that Van Wagenen wants a first-time manager. Knowing how the Mets operate the new manager’s salary could be one major factor.

There’s an 8th name for mets – skip schumaker vis @dennistlin. Girardi is still the only one with previous fulltime managing experience (Bogar was interim in Texas). Makes one wonder if they may actually prefer a newcomer. https://t.co/T4UCEUew4p

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 18, 2019

Tim Bogar is expected to get a Mets interview, bringing to 7 known candidates (Girardi, Eduardo Perez, Mike Bell, Shelton, Beltran, Luis Rojas). Plan is for 2nd in-person interviews w/selectees. Girardi, Bell, Shelton are candidates elsewhere, Perez, Beltran only interested in NY

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 18, 2019

Padres New Friar

The San Diego Padres are reportedly down to two candidates; Jayce Tingler and Ron Washington. Tingler who is very close to Padres general manager AJ Preller is a player development executive with the Rangers. Washington managed the Rangers to consecutive World Series appearances. Preller does have a relationship with Washington as well. Tingler is seen as the favorite.

Many folks around baseball believe AJ Preller will pick Jayce Tingler, Rangers player development exec, to be the Padres next manager. Doesn’t mean it’s a done deal, and Ron Washington, who Preller also knows from Texas, is also in the running. Tingler is seen as favorite though.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 17, 2019

The Philadelphia Three

The Philadelphia Phillies have only interviewed three candidates for their manager opening. All three men have accomplished careers as managers. Buck Showalter appears to be the favorite of the Phillies owner John Middleton. Showalter has connections to the Phillies brass from his time as the Baltimore Orioles manager. Dusty Baker and Girardi are the other candidates.

Philly people seem happy with all 3 candidates. There is perception possibly due to past link w/Orioles the front office may favor Showalter. But owner Middleton who made manager call is heavily involved and folks would not be surprised if he preferred Dusty or esp Girardi

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 18, 2019

Windy City Wish List

The Chicago Cubs have added some more names to go with the shortlist of managerial candidates. Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada has already been interviewed by the Cubbies. Former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler also has spoken to the Cubs. Former Cubs player David Ross is still considered the favorite. Cubs coach Mark Loretta and Girardi also were previously interviewed.

Cubs will interview Gabe Kapler and Joe Espada this week for manager's job

— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) October 14, 2019

Pirates Treasure Search

The Pittsburgh Pirates have added more names to their managerial search. The four previous candidates the Pirates were interested in are Sam Fuld, Jeff Banister, Blake Shelton, and Mike Bell. You can now add Joe Espada, Stubby Clapp, Mark Kotsay, and Ryan Christensen. There was a report that Fuld has declined to interview with the Pirates.

There does not appear to be a clear favorite for the Pirates manager opening.

Cubs will interview Gabe Kapler and Joe Espada this week for manager's job

— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) October 14, 2019

A Giant-Sized Job

There is a new candidate for the San Francisco Giants manager opening. Matt Quatraro is now on the radar for the Giants. Quatraro is the bench coach with the Tampa Bay Rays and Giants president Farhan Zaidi is reportedly a fan of how the Rays run their team.

In addition, Mike Matheny of the Kansas City Royals is also a person of interest by the Giants. The other candidates are Hensley Meulens, Ron Wotus, Pedro Grifol, and Kotsay.

Add #Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro to list of candidates for #SFGiants manager job. Well respected, smart, good communicator, managed in minors, coached in majors with #Indians and now #Rays.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 17, 2019