The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Thursday that they have fired manager Gabe Kapler after his two seasons with the team, and they may be searching for an experienced replacement.
Buck Showalter and Mike Scioscia are two candidates to watch for the Phillies job, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. Joe Maddon would also likely have some interest if things didn’t work out for him with the Los Angeles Angels, but it sounds like Maddon already has a handshake agreement in place.
Joe Maddon’s top choice is to manage the #Angels, followed by the #Dodgers, but the #Phillies certainly pique his interest. Buck Showalter, who already has an interview scheduled with #Angels, also strong candidate along with Mike Scioscia
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 10, 2019
The Phillies made a series of huge moves last offseason, the most noteworthy of which was signing Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million contract. They then struggled for the majority of the year and finished with a .500 record, and the belief all along is that Kapler would not keep his job unless there were immediate results.
Showalter has already admitted that he would like to be considered for another managerial vacancy, and he would almost certainly be interested in the Phillies job as well. The 63-year-old last managed with the Baltimore Orioles from 2010-2018.
Scioscia stepped down last year after 19 seasons with the Angels and took the 2019 season off. He could also have multiple opportunities now that the Phillies job has opened up.
