The Miami Marlins’ search for a new manager continues. They seek to interview Craig Albernaz, the Cleveland Guardians’ bench coach. The other candidates that the Marlins are considering are the Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard and San Francisco Giants coach Alyssa Nakken. Lombard’s son, George Lombard Jr. is a prospect for the New York Yankees.
The Miami Marlins have asked for permission to interview Craig Albernaz, the Guardians’ bench coach, for their managerial opening. Albernaz has deep roots in the Tampa Bay organization — the former employer of Peter Bendix, who is now the head of baseball operations for the…
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 17, 2024
Albernaz has experience coaching in both college baseball and the minor leagues. He has an extensive history with the Tampa Bay Rays organization, signing with them as a free agent in 2006, then serving as the Princeton Rays hitting coach in 2015 and the Rays minor league field coordinator in 2019. Then in December 2019, Albernaz’s career flourished as he landed his first MLB coaching role. He joined the San Francisco Giants as their coach in the bullpen as well as catching. Then in November of 2023, he ventured off to a new environment with the Guardians in the same role. Albernaz could be a strong and constructive candidate for the Marlins to lead their rebuild starting in 2025.
Marlins Search For Manager Zeroes In on Guardians Coach Craig Albernaz
The Marlins job would be a huge opportunity for Albernaz, who has never managed in MLB before. He has been characterized as a diligent worker who also has ties with the Marlins front office. Albernaz, who played college baseball for Eckerd College, could be the missing piece to what the Marlins require. He has solidified himself as a worthy candidate with his coaching experience. He was previously linked to the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox in late September/early October as a possible managerial candidate.
Bench coach Craig Albernaz shouts out the whole staff for all their hard work with the team this year. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/InDC83KGMe
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) September 22, 2024
Albernaz earned the 2018 Midwest League Manager of the Year award with the Class-A Bowling Green Hot Rods, a Rays affiliate. Albernaz is deserving of a promotion with his extensive coaching experience in the minors. He also spent five seasons on the Giants staff under manager Gape Kapler. The Marlins were initially hoping to extend Skip Schumaker‘s contract, but he declined. Schumaker announced his departure as manager for the Marlins on September 28th. The Marlins are looking to progress in 2025 with a fresh start, and Albernaz would complement Miami’s search for a better 2025 season. This season, when the Guardians clinched the postseason, Albernaz took the time to reflect and honor his players and team for their success. This signifies his passion for the game and is another reason why he would be a suitable candidate for the manager position.
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