The San Diego Padres announced on Oct. 4 that manager Bob Melvin would return for the 2024 season amid reports of conflict between him and general manager A.J. Preller. Weeks later, Melvin could be on the verge of becoming the San Francisco Giants skipper.
San Francisco fired manager Gabe Kapler after the team finished with a combined losing record over the last two seasons. Coming off consecutive years without a playoff appearance and amid reports of issues in the clubhouse, the Giants ultimately determined it was time for a change.
- Bob Melvin managerial record: 1,517-1,425 in regular season, 16-23 in the playoffs
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Melvin, a Palo Alto native, seemed like a natural choice for a return to the Bay Area. One of the worst-kept secrets around MLB was the friction between the Padres’ skipper and general manager. Coming off a disappointing season, many expected a split that would seemingly benefit both sides.
However, Preller announced at the start of the month that there was no truth to the rumors about his fractured relationship with Melvin and San Diego’s manager would return next season. Now, the wheels are seemingly in motion for a rare interdivision managerial change.
Andrew Baggarly and Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported Sunday that the Giants have received permission from San Diego to interview Melvin for their managerial vacancy. It’s viewed as a major step towards Melvin potentially replacing Kapler in San Francisco.
Melvin, who turns 68 on Oct. 28, played for the Giants from 1986-’88 then returned to the Bay Area as the Oakland Athletics manager from 2011-’21. He was extremely successful in Oakland, only leaving when the Padres’ vacancy opened and it offered him a shot to compete for the World Series.
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As noted by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Melvin is only under contract with San Diego through the 2024 season at a $4 million salary. The Padres could pursue compensation for the Giants or San Francisco could be allowed to hire Melvin outright.
San Francisco has already interviewed candidates for its managerial vacancy, including third base coach Mark Hallberg, assistant coach Alyssa Nakken and bench coach Kai Correa. With Melvin’s ties to the area and his reputation as one of the best managers in MLB, it’s very possible a move is made by early November.
It wouldn’t be the first time San Francisco had pulled away a Padres’ manager. Following the 2006 season with San Diego, Bruce Bochy left to become the Giants’ manager. While history might not repeat itself in terms of the championship success, Melvin would be a significant addition for the Giants heading into 2024.