Former Angels Manager Phil Nevin Among Top Candidates to Take Over NL West Squad

This is an interesting turn of events.

After another poor season, the Los Angeles Angels decided it was time to move on from manager Phil Nevin. Nevin took over after former manager Joe Maddon was let go, and he led the team for a year and a half.

Players love him, and many spoke up about their desire for him to return next season. But the front office decided to go in a different direction in the future.

Now, it seems that another Southern California team is courting Nevin to take over their open managerial position potentially. He is being considered for the open position within the San Diego Padres organization.

Sources clarify: Nevin could interview interview later this week, Gil is in preliminary discussions and Chavez no longer expected to be in the mix. https://t.co/bI1ssX4TP3

— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) October 31, 2023

If hired, it would be a far cry from the talent he had to work with the Halos, which could benefit Nevin. San Diego has a nice collection of players at their core, and he could take his player-friendly approach with him.

The Padres have Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr, and Xander Bogaerts for next season. And depending on what happens with Juan Soto, possibly him as well. 

This could be what the Padres need, in all honesty, to help them get back into contention. Their former manager, Bob Melvin, was too serious at times, and Nevin may be able to help them loosen up.

While he didn't see the success that he had hoped for with the Halos, he did what he could with the players he had to work with. Nevin is a good manager and has the respect of the rest of the league.

It could be strange to see Nevin managing the Padres next season if he were to get the job, but he deserves another chance. He was always set up to fail with the Angels, and hopefully, he will get another shot to manage a big-league club.