The Miami Marlins are making progress in their search for a new manager. After an extensive process lasting several weeks and evaluating many candidates, the team has narrowed it down to two finalists. According to Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, Craig Albernaz, the bench coach for the Cleveland Guardians, and Will Venable, the associate manager for the Texas Rangers, have become the leading candidates for the Marlins’ managerial position
The AL Central champion Guardians have seen the departure of three key executives: hitting coach Chris Valaika (now with the Cincinnati Reds), farm director Robert Cerfolio (moving to the St. Louis Cardinals), and VP of research and development Kevin Tenebaum (joining the Pittsburgh Pirates). Could Albernaz be the next to leave Cleveland?
Albernaz gained valuable experience in his pursuit of a managerial position, having interviewed for the Guardians’ top role after Terry Francona’s exit at the end of the 2023 season. Although Stephen Vogt was ultimately appointed, the Guardians were impressed with Albernaz’s qualifications and kept him on as a major league coach.
His background is quite diverse, featuring eight seasons as a player in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. Albernaz began his coaching career with the San Francisco Giants, working under manager Gabe Kapler. Notably, he shares a profile similar to Vogt’s—both are former catchers with experience as minor league managers, coordinators, and coaches at the major league level.
Venable is also a highly sought-after managerial candidate. He kicked off his post-playing career as a special assistant to the Chicago Cubs’ front office in 2017, then moved on to coach for the Cubs, serving as first base coach (2018-19) and third base coach (2020). He later took on the role of bench coach for the Boston Red Sox (2021-22) and is currently the associate manager under Bruce Bochy with the Rangers.
If Venable isn’t hired as the Marlins manager, he could be the frontrunner to succeed Bochy when he eventually retires
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