A new report in The Athletic has revealed quite a twist in the San Francisco Giants’ search for a new manager.
According to reporters Andrew Baggarly and Dennis Lin, the San Diego Padres have given manager Bob Melvin permission to interview with the Giants, citing league sources. Those same sources consider Melvin the frontrunner for the job, and Melvin agreed to the interview on the condition that he’s a top candidate.
Though it was announced following the regular season that San Diego general manager A.J. Preller and Melvin would return in their respective roles after a disappointing 80-82 season, reports of strife between Preller and Melvin have made the situation more “complicated” according to The Athletic.
Melvin and Preller are reportedly not always aligned philosophically, and Melvin taking another job would allow Preller to move on without firing another manager. Preller has already fired four managers since 2015.
Melvin is under contract through next season, but it is unclear at this time if the Padres would ask for compensation from the Giants if SF desires to hire Melvin. In the past, teams have asked for assets in return for managers under contract.
Melvin, soon to be 62, is a three-time manager of the year, and worked with Farhan Zaidi for four years in Oakland from 2011-2014.
Full story: https://theathletic.com/4984603/2023/10/22/giants-padres-bob-melvin-permission-manager/