Kevin Cash Dismisses Interest In Guardians' Managerial Job

Kevin Cash says he is "happy" with the Tampa Bay Rays as rumors about him and the Cleveland Guardians spread.

The Cleveland Guardians' search for a new manager will be extensive and range from a variety of names. Some of those candidates may have managerial experience while others may be stepping into it for the first time.

Why not get a manager who has been to the World Series, is close to the former skipper, and has a close tie with the front office? In a perfect world, that would be Kevin Cash.

The current Tampa Bay Rays manager is close with Terry Francona and even was on his staff in Cleveland in 2013. This makes him a logical choice to be a name to look out for in the search.

However, Cash doesn't appear interested in the job and dismissed his interest in joining another team. "I'm very happy here (in Tampa Bay)," Cash said, "I'm under contract here and looking forward to next year, for sure."

This comes on the heels of Hall of Fame reporter Peter Gammons revealing on Friday that "the Rays are a little concerned" about Kevin Cash leaving Tampa Bay for Cleveland.

It really wouldn't make a ton of sense for Cash to leave an already stable job for one full of uncertainties. The Rays are consistently in the playoffs and continue to promote young, talented players who could be a part of their future for many years.

Sep 6, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) looks on during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports / © Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

It's not like Cash is on the hot seat either. Erik Neander, the Rays' President of Baseball Operations, praised Cash for his job last season calling it, "the best job that's he ever done here."

Sorry to Guardians fans who really wanted to see Cash succeed Tito in Cleveland. It would have been a great story, however, it seems very unlikely to happen at this point.