After five seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers and manager Don Mattingly agreed to part ways. The Dodgers won three straight divisional crowns under Mattingly, but to the New York Mets in the NLDS. Mattingly had one year left on his contract, but both he and the Dodgers felt it would best for the two parties to have a fresh start.
This season was the first in the Dodgers' new regime led by president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who now has a chance to select his own manager. With that in mind, here are the top five candidates to be the Dodgers' new manager.
5. Gabe Kapler, Dodgers director of player development
The former outfielder was hired by the Dodgers less than a year ago, but there are already reports he's a serious candidate for the position. He's reportedly a favorite of Friedman's. It'd be an interesting hire, especially since Kapler has limited managerial experience.
4. Dave Martinez, Cubs bench coach
Martinez has served as the bench coach under Joe Maddon since 2008. Martinez followed Maddon to Chicago when Martinez was passed over for the Tampa Bay Rays job. Martinez will be a manager at some point in the future, and the Dodgers might be the team to pull the trigger. Friedman knows Martinez from their time together in Tampa Bay.
3. Tim Wallach, Dodgers bench coach
Wallach has been with the Dodgers in some capacity for five years. Wallach has interviewed for managerial jobs in the past, including recently interviewing for the Washington Nationals position. If the Dodgers want to keep some continuity from the old staff, Wallach could be an option.
2. Bud Black, former Padres manager
Black was fired by the Padres in June, but it's only a matter of time before he has another managing gig. That could end up being with the Dodgers. Black worked under Josh Byrnes in San Diego and Byrnes is now the senior vice president of the Dodgers. He's already interviewed for the Nationals job.
1. Ron Roenicke, Dodgers third base coach
Roenicke was hired by Mattingly in August to be the team's new third base coach. From the moment he was hired, there was speculation that he was going to replace Mattingly. Roenicke has a Dodgers background, having played and coached for the team in the past. He was last a skipper for the Milwaukee Brewers, before a poor start to this season resulted in him being fired.
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