After another season hovering around .500 and not being able to capitalize on the New York Mets’ late-season collapse, San Francisco Giants President Buster Posey fired manager Bob Melvin on Monday. The 63-year-old was not hired by the team legend. But he kept him around after an 80-82 finish in his first season as skipper last year.
However, after a one-game improvement in 2025 (81-81), Posey saw enough and relieved him of his services. Now, he will undergo his first managerial search as the club’s top executive. But who could he target during that process? We take a look at seven men who could be in the running to replace Bob Melvin as Giants manager next season.
Skip Schumaker
Former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker remains the best manager candidate on the open market. The 2023 NL manager of the year departed Miami after his second season and is waiting for the right opening. Working with a player from his era in the league to help guide one of the most prestigious franchises in the sport, and with a strong roster, should certainly appeal to the 11-year MLB veteran.
Craig Albernaz
After a historic comeback to win the AL Central this season, the Cleveland Guardians staff has the attention of MLB, and associate manager Craig Albernaz is at the top of that list. He is already familiar with the organization after being a part of Gabe Kapler’s staff. That familiarity, and being a part of one of the best groups of coaches in the game, should make him a candidate for the Giants’ job.
Mark DeRosa
While this is an outside-the-box option, don’t sleep on MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa. He has a very positive reputation throughout the league for his work on TV and during 16 seasons in the league, including two with Posey in 2010 and 2011.
His only coaching experience was leading the United States team during the last World Baseball Classic. But we are in an era of sports where experience matters less and being able to connect with current players holds a higher value. DeRosa could be a sleeper contender in the coaching search.
Don Mattingly
Although he had an underwhelming run as a manager in Miami, New York Yankees legend Don Mattingly did win over 90 games three times as skipper of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a wealth of experience on and off the field and has gotten strong reviews for his work as the bench coach of the AL East Champion Toronto Blue Jays.
Rickie Weeks Jr.
Like the Guardians, the Milwaukee Brewers staff certainly has the attention of MLB coach evaluators, and 14-year MLB veteran Rickie Weeks Jr. is becoming one of the fastest-rising assistants in the game. Last year, he was named associate manager, and the Brewers have overachieved the last two years, including having the best record in MLB in 2025.
David Ross
David Ross’ four-year stint with the Chicago Cubs wasn’t what he or the team hoped for. However, before getting replaced by Craig Counsell last year, there were signs of a turnaround and that the team was improving under his watch. MLB has a long history of recycling fired coaches, and if any available skipper deserves a second opportunity, it is Ross.
Mark Hallberg
An interesting internal option, but with limited coaching experience, is first-base coach Mark Hallberg. He has been on both Kapler’s and Melvin’s staff and has been friends with Posey since college. If it becomes clear he is well-liked by Giants players after exit interviews, the team president’s long-time pal could have a strong chance to be promoted into the top job.
