Recapping Guardians' Search For Next Manager

The Cleveland Guardians continue their search for their next manager after Terry Francona stepped down.

The Cleveland Guardians are deep in their search for their next manager after Terry Francona stepped down shortly after the season started. The organization apparently had a list of roughly 45 names they were interested in, but that has shrunk over the last few weeks.

This is where the search stands as of October 22.

Who's Still In The Running?

Clayton McCullough

The latest name that has slipped out as a potential candidate for the Guardians is Clayton McCullough. Cleveland reportedly interviewed the Los Angeles Dodgers' first base coach as they continue their search. 

John McDonald

Cleveland has done a tremendous job in the player development department so it would make sense that they would look internally to fill the position. John McDonald is reported as one of the members of the Guardians' organization that has interviewed for the job.

Craig Albernaz

The Guardians are also looking externally for their next skipper. Craig Albernaz, who is the bullpen and catching coach for the San Francisco Giants, has reportedly expressed interest in the managerial position.

Carlos Mendoza

The front office is looking high, low, and to American League rivals for their next manager as Cleveland has reportedly interviewed Carlos Mendoza. Mendoza is currently the bench coach of the New York Yankees who eliminated the Guardians from the 2022 ALDS. 

Jun 5, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona (77) sits on the bench with Cleveland Guardians third base coach Mike Sarbaugh (16) and Cleveland Guardians assistant coach Kyle Hudson prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports / © Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Valaika 

Cleveland hired Chris Valaika to be their hitting coach back in 2021 which resulted in a resrgance from the bats in 2022. That success was not sustained as the Guardians had one of the worst offenses in 2023.

Still, Valaika is a name that the front office has considered for the position (per MLB Trade Rumors), but it's unclear whether he's actually been given an interview. 

Rob Cerfolio

Rob Cerfolio is another name inside the Guardians' organization who is believed to have been considered for the position, per MLB Trade Rumors. Cerfolio is currently the player development director for Cleveland. 

Who's Out As Guardians Manager?

Before we get into who is being rumored to be in the running, let's look at who won't be taking over as Cleveland's skipper.

Sandy Alomar Jr.

President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti said right after Terry Francona stepped down as manager that Sandy Aolmar Jr. declined to interview for the open position. But he will stay on in his current role with the Guardians.

Will Venable

Will Venable was someone who many around baseball believed could be a candidate for a managerial position, including the Guardians. However, Venable will reportedly stay on with his role as Associate Manager with the Texas Rangers as they fight for a trip to the World Series.