Guardians’ search for new manager winding down

President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti and general manager Mike Chernoff are continuing their methodical and thorough search for a manager to replace Terry Francona.

Soon after the season ended with the Guardians third in the American League Central — at 76-86 16 games behind where they finished in 2022 — Antonetti said he had a list of 45 to 48 candidates. It is believed the list has been whittled to about a half dozen names. A decision on the first manager hired since Francona took the job in 2013 isn’t expected until the World Series concludes.

Mariners bullpen coach Stephen Vogt, Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza, Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough and Giants bullpen coach Craig Albernaz have all been interviewed, according to various reports. None in the group has managed in the Majors.

The Guardians are also expected to interview the Milwaukee Brewers’ current manager, Craig Counsell. Counsell’s contract with the Brewers expires on Oct. 31. The Mets have gotten permission from the Brewers to interview him for their opening. The Padres and Angels are also looking for a manager.

Antonetti and Chernoff have interviewed John McDonald, a former Indians infielder and now the organization’s minor league field coordinator, according to reports, as well as Guardians hitting coach Chris Valaika for the managerial vacancy.

“I think it’s always helpful to get different perspectives and candidates with different backgrounds,” Antonetti said on Oct. 3. “As we go through this process, we’ve considered a very wide range of individuals.

“There are mixed emotions and sadness of Tito leaving, but there is also excitement about the future and how we use this as an opportunity for us to continue to grow and learn and get better.”

Francona managed the Indians/Guardians for 11 seasons. He guided them to the playoffs six times and the World Series once. They lost to the Cubs in seven games in 2016 after leading the series three games to one.