Will Venable says he'll remain with Rangers as Guardians managerial search continues
The Guardians' search for their next manager continues, but it won't involve one of the leading candidates entering the process.
Manager Terry Francona confirmed he wouldn't return for the 2024 season, though that was the "worst-kept secret" in baseball for several weeks before that. Francona is expected to remain with the organization in some fashion in a to-be-determined role.
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Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti recently noted that about 45 candidates were included on the team's initial list of both internal and external possibilities to replace Francona.
One name that continually came up as a strong candidate was Will Venable. And one name that can now be crossed off the list (unless he changes his mind) is Will Venable.
Venable, serving as the associate manager of the Texas Rangers, has reportedly told teams he'll be staying put and not interviewing for managerial positions. The Rangers are playing in the ALCS, with Venable working under manager Bruce Bochy.
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Venable is highly regarded within the league and was a teammate of Guardians general manager Mike Chernoff at Princeton. As a player, he had a nine-year major league career and was in Cleveland's spring camp in 2016.
The list of potential internal candidates includes hitting coach Chris Valaika and minor league field coordinator John McDonald. Valaika has completed two seasons with the Guardians after leaving the Chicago Cubs organization.
Guardians first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. several weeks ago declined the opportunity to interview for the position.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians search for manager continues without Will Venable
