San Francisco Giants: Top 7 candidates to replace Bruce Bochy

1. Raúl Ibañez

With there being so many moving pieces to consider — who is available, how many positions are open, what Farhan Zaidi is looking for, and so on — it seems like the most likely outcome that none of the super obvious names will end up being the eventual choice.

At the beginning of researching for this article, Raúl Ibañez seemed like another odd bet to put into this piece — similar to the bets being put on names like Omar Vizquel or a player-manager Buster Posey.

But Ibañez may end up becoming not only a candidate, but a finalist in the search for the next manager to replace Bruce Bochy.

Ibañez had a successful career that spanned across nearly two decades. Where he lacks in managerial experience, he’s supplemented in his ability to be a clubhouse leader and consistent — and cherished — veteran presence.

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There have already been some quiet rumblings that Ibañez might have already made that shortlist in Zaidi’s back pocket.

The two are very familiar with each other.

Ibañez has served the Los Angeles Dodgers front office as a special assistant since 2016. He worked directly with Farhan Zaidi until Zaidi was hired by the Giants organization.

It’s understandable that Zaidi is going to want a manager who can not only serve as a figurehead that is respected and compatible with a sabermetrics-driven front office but is also familiar with his standards.

Ibañez has previously turned down managerial opportunities with other franchises, but this could be an opportunity that he doesn’t pass on.

Andrew Baggarly detailed what makes Ibañez such an ideal candidate for the job.

"“[Ibañez] is somebody who is really positive, connects with players very well…We know [chemistry’s] important when you do things a little bit differently, and maybe you have guys going up and down from the minor leagues or being used in different roles than they’re accustomed to…Whoever replaces [Bruce Bochy], that is probably going to be the most important thing that he brings to the table.”"

Ibañez seems to check some of the boxes that many of the other names on this list check.

While he doesn’t have the experience as an actual manager, he has already established chemistry with Zaidi and with other players. He offers a fresh-look and a potential long-term manager that won’t step on the front office’s toes.

This isn’t a throw-away option, and it’s not a mistake that he’s reportedly on the list of candidates. If Zaidi is able to lure him away from the comfort of his current position, then he might end up thriving with the Giants.

Sooner or later, some ball club is going to take a chance on him.