MLB Rumors: Latest news, buzz around new manager hires
Now that the MLB postseason has come to a close, teams are finishing up their managerial searches. The Los Angeles Dodgers parted ways with Don Mattingly, who then was named the new manager of the Miami Marlins. Scott Servais is headed to the Pacific Northwest to lead the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals announced that Dusty Baker would take over their open position. The Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to solidify a new skipper. Here are the latest rumors circulating around the league.
Los Angeles Dodgers
New manager: --
• The Dodgers are the only team still in pursuit of a new manager after parting ways with Don Mattingly on Oct. 22 following the team’s loss to the New York Mets in the NLDS. Mattingly had a 446–363 record in five years as the Dodgers’ manager. The Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told MLB.com that he plans to interview candidates with and without prior managerial experience.
• Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that multiple people in the league would be shocked if the Dodgers did not hire Gabe Kapler, who is currently the director of player development for the Dodgers, to replace Mattingly.
• On Tuesday, Rosenthal reported that Padres bench coach Dave Roberts interviewed with the Dodgers, but that the team is not close to making a managerial selection.
Washington Nationals
New manager: Dusty Baker
• The Nationals named Dusty Baker their new manager on Tuesday. Baker replaces former manager Matt Williams, who was fired on on Oct. 5.
• Baker earned the position over former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black, who was thought to have been the top candidate for the position.
• Baker Baker spent 19 seasons playing in the Major Leagues with the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics before spending six years as a coach and 20 years as a manager for the Giants, Cubs and Reds.
Miami Marlins
New manager: Don Mattingly
• The Marlins officially hired Mattingly as their new manager on Monday, making him the eighth Marlins manager since 2008 on a deal for four years and $10 million.
• The Marlins had asked interim manager Dan Jennings to return to his role as general manager at the conclusion of the regular season, but announced last week that Jennings had been relieved of his general manager duties.
• Alex Cora, Phillies bench coach Larry Bowa, Bo Porter, Manny Acta, Phil Nevin, and Joey Cora all reportedly interviewed for the position.
New manager: Andy Green
• The Padres announced Thursday that they hired Diamondbacks third base coach Andy Green as the team’s new manager. The Padres fired their nine-year manager Bud Black in June, and did not seek to retain interim manager Pat Murphy to fill the position in 2016.
• Alex Cora and Scott Servais both interviewed with the Padres for their manager position. Pirates third base coach Rick Sofield was reportedly also under consideration for the position.
New manager: Scott Servais
• The Mariners named Scott Servais their new manager on Oct. 23. Servais is a former MLB catcher and was the Los Angeles Angels’ assistant general manager. He replaces Lloyd McClendon, who managed the team for two seasons but was fired on Oct. 9.
• Servais was reportedly selected over Tampa Bay Rays third base coach Charlie Montoyo, Red Sox special assistant Jason Varitek and minor-league manager Phil Nevin, who were also rumored to be in the running for the position.
