MLB Executives View Will Venable As Favorite For Guardians' Manager Vacancy

The Texas Rangers' bench coach could emerge as a candidate to be named Cleveland's next manager.

Today marks one week since Cleveland Guardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti and Terry Francona jointly announced that Francona was stepping down as the team’s manager.

With the Guardians actively searching for Francona’s successor, others around MLB already have their thoughts about who his replacement will be.

On Sunday, an article from USA Today Sports writer Bob Nightengale shed some light on a potential managerial candidate for Cleveland fans to watch.

“Will Venable, associate manager of the Texas Rangers, is considered by several executives as the favorite to replace Terry Francona as the Cleveland Guardians manager,” Nightingale wrote.

Jul 29, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy (15) and associate manager Will Venable (83) watch on as San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish (11) pitches during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park / © David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports

Venable, who is just 40 years old, has an extensive background in Major League Baseball, both as a player and coach.

He played nine seasons in the Majors as an outfielder (eight with San Diego), hitting .249 with 707 hits, 81 home runs, 307 RBI, and 135 stolen bases.

After retiring following the 2016 season, it didn’t take long for Venable to transition into MLB’s coaching ranks.

His first stop was with the Chicago Cubs, where he served as a special assistant to the President of Baseball Operations in 2017, first-base coach for the next two seasons, and third-base coach in 2020.

Venable then went to the Boston Red Sox, serving as their bench coach for the next two seasons. He is currently in his first season as the Texas Rangers’ associate manager.

Like Francona, Venable is also the son of a former MLB player. His father, Max Venable, played 12 seasons in the Majors (1979-87, 1989-91) as an outfielder for the Giants, Expos, Reds, and Angels.

While others in MLB believe that Will Venable is next in line to be Cleveland's manager, only time will tell if the Guardians think so, too.