3 candidates for new Oakland A’s manager
By David Hill
The Oakland A’s certainly did not anticipate having to find a manager atop their to do list for the 2021-22 offseason. Nonetheless, that is where the A’s find themselves, as now former manager Bob Melvin is officially with the San Diego Padres.
It is also a strange time for the A’s to be looking for a manager. The direction of the team is uncertain, especially with ownership likely to tighten the purse strings even more. Normally, the A’s would want someone that can keep their core in the playoff chase, but who knows how much of a core will be left after this offseason?
Who will be the Oakland A’s next manager?
That may well be a factor in the A’s next hiring. If they are ready to rebuild and blow up the roster, they may be more likely to opt for a first time manager. Otherwise, if they are going to give it one more shot, the A’s may look for a more experienced option.
Who will be on the A’s bench next season? Let’s take a look at three potential candidates.
Ryan Christenson
Based on his role and the fact that he is already with the Oakland A’s organization, Ryan Christenson may be the favorite for the job.
He had been Melvin’s bench coach, a job that is either given to an experienced former manager to help mentor a neophyte on the bench or someone viewed as the heir apparent. The A’s may well have been looking to prepare Christenson to take on the role in the event of Melvin’s departure.
Christenson has been with the organization in several roles. He was a tenth round draft pick in 1995, spending his first three major league seasons in Oakland. Once his playing career was over, he returned to the A’s, spending time as a minor league manager, including in Triple-A in 2017.
There is also some controversy surrounding Christenson. He had inadvertently made an offensive salute following a game in 2020, leading to his issuing a statement apologizing for his actions. They may be a consideration in the hiring process.
Ryan Christenson is familiar with the players and organizational philosophy. He has to be considered the favorite to be the Oakland A’s next manager.