San Francisco Giants: Analyzing the final three managerial candidates
By Justin Fried
2. Gabe Kapler
The only individual on the list with prior MLB managerial experience, Gabe Kapler will undoubtedly be a controversial choice is he is hired. The former MLB outfielder has spent the last two seasons as the Phillies manager leading the team to an underwhelming 161-163 record during that time.
Kapler has been heavily criticized for his handling of the locker room despite the support of veterans such as Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto.
His issues primarily came with the pitching staff as his decision to bring in former big-leaguer Chris Young to be the team’s new pitching coach wasn’t exactly met with universal praise among the Phillies pitchers.
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That said, his relationship with Giants’ president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi could give him a leg-up over his competition.
While Zaidi was the general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kapler served as the organization’s director of player development. In fact, many have speculated that a recommendation from Zaidi himself may have landed Kapler his job with the Phillies.
His ties to analytics and prior experience with Zaidi are likely his best selling points aside from the fact that he has experience managing at the major league level.
Would he be the most exciting hire? No, but he may just be considered the favorite to land the position.