Five candidates to lead the Athletics

OAKLAND – Following Bob Melvin’s sudden departure from the team, the Athletics must turn the page and start looking for their next manager for the 2022 season.

In addition to coordinating interviews with some internal candidates, A’s executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane and general manager David Forst hope to also look outside the organization to fill the managerial vacancy. Here are some of the candidates.

Braves third base coach Ron Washington

After winning the title with the Braves, Washington is seen as an ideal candidate for the Athletics. Oakland was where he began his career in the majors as an instructor in 1996, being the starting coach under manager Art Howe.

After eight seasons as the Rangers’ helmsman, Washington returned to the Athletics as third base and infield coach between 2015 and 2016, before coming to the Braves.

Washington will turn 70 in April and has made it clear that he wants to lead again before retiring.

Bravos Bench Coach Walt Weiss

Weiss is another candidate with ties to the Athletics. In 1985 he was selected by Oakland in the amateur draft, before winning the American League Rookie of the Year two years later. It was a key piece of the club’s last championship in 1989.

Weiss’s first managerial opportunity was with the Rockies, with whom he spent four seasons between 2013 and 2016, posting a 283-365 record.

Astros bench coach Joe Espada

The Puerto Rican also has ties to the Athletics, after being selected by them in the second round of the 1996 amateur draft, before spending five years on the Oakland farms.

Espada, 46, has been recognized for his player development during his time with the Yankees and Astros.

The A’s know Ausmus from his time as the Angels’ manager in 2019. Before that, he managed the Tigers between 2014 and 2017, leading them to the postseason in his freshman year.

Although it only lasted one season in Los Angeles, the former catcher has not stopped receiving interest. He has been interviewed by the Astros and Padres for the past two years.

He is currently in the Angels’ organization, after being considered a replacement for Mike Scioscia in 2018. He was also interviewed to be a helmsman with the Rangers.

The 43-year-old ex-roster has made it clear that he wants to be a manager, and given his relationship with Beane from his time in Oakland, starting his coaching career there would make sense.