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Marlins Manager Search Update: Two Candidates Remain

The Miami Marlins are one step closer to finding their next manager. Following a thorough search that spanned weeks and considered numerous candidates, the team has narrowed its options to two finalists. According to Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz and Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable have emerged as the top contenders to lead the Marlins.

Marlins Manager Search Reaches Final Stage

The AL Central champion Guardians have lost three key executives: hitting coach Chris Valaika (Cincinnati Reds), farm director Robert Cerfolio (St. Louis Cardinals), and VP of research and development Kevin Tenebaum (Pittsburgh Pirates). Could Albernaz be the next one to leave Cleveland?

Albernaz gained valuable experience in his bid for a managerial role, interviewing for the Guardians’ top spot after Terry Francona’s departure following the 2023 season. Although Stephen Vogt ultimately landed the job, the Guardians were impressed by Albernaz’s credentials and retained him as a major league coach.
Albernaz brings a diverse background to the table, boasting eight seasons as a player in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. His coaching career began with the San Francisco Giants, where he worked under manager Gabe Kapler. Notably, Albernaz shares a similar profile with Vogt, a former catcher with experience as a minor league manager, minor league coordinator, and major league coach.

Venable is a highly sought-after managerial candidate. He began his post-playing career as a special assistant to the Chicago Cubs’ front office in 2017. Venable then coached for the Cubs, serving as first base coach (2018-19) and third base coach (2020). He later worked as a bench coach for the Boston Red Sox (2021-22) and currently serves as associate manager under Bruce Bochy with the Rangers.

If Venable is not hired as the Marlins manager, he could be the leading candidate to take Bochy’s place as manager when he returns to retirement.

Main Photo: © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Matt Graves, Site Manager

Matt Graves, Site Manager

Matt Graves is an experienced baseball writer, and co-manager of LWOS Baseball. He is a graduate of the Radio Broadcasting program at Fanshawe College who has worked as a writer in radio, journalism, and digital media.

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