Padres Rumors: Insider Still Thinks Bob Melvin Could Leave Friars for Different Job This Offseason

Well, things just got interesting.

All of the talk around the San Diego Padres over the last few weeks of the season was about whether or not manager Bob Melvin would return next season. The Padres decided to retain him for 2024, but they did so unconvincingly it seemed.

After the major disappointment that San Diego faced this past season, normally someone takes the fall. Many expected it to be Melvin, but the team pushed back against that once the year ended.

It seems that just because the Padres decided that Melvin would stay doesn’t mean that Melvin wants to. MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post is reporting that the veteran manager could still leave the team this winter.

“The Padres say he’s staying, but word is he and GM A.J. Preller barely spoke in a season of underachievement. One rival exec suggested it looked like they kept him because they didn’t want a “Bruce Bochy 2” situation after the Giants let go Gabe Kapler early, which may have been taken as a signal they wanted Melvin. He’s close to Counsell but probably fits San Francisco better since he has ties to Giants honcho Farhan Zaidi and prefers to spring in Arizona (he picked the Padres over the Mets two years ago).”

Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post

It would make some sense for Melvin to leave after what transpired this season with the Padres. It was a tough year for everyone, but Melvin seemed to be one of the main scapegoats all season long, and it looked like it was starting to frustrate him down the stretch of the year.

If Melvin were to join the San Francisco Giants, it would set them up well. San Francisco was close to making the postseason this season, and all they are lacking is a leader. Melvin could be that rallying voice in the clubhouse, and having him in the mix could help the Giants land free agents as well. 

Plus Melvin is also familiar with the NL West, which would be an added benefit to the hire. This is a pairing to watch as the offseason progresses, and it'll be fascinating to see if it comes to fruition.

Heyman also linked him as a candidate to take over the New York Mets, so clearly, some rumblings suggest he's not exactly locked into remaining in San Diego just yet.