The Oakland A’s now have their pick of any managerial candidate that they would want. As the Mets have named Buck Showalter as their manager, the A’s are the only team without a skipper for the upcoming season.
However, that should change soon. According to Jon Heyman, the A’s are focusing on former outfielder and current third base coach Mark Kotsay as their new manager.
A’s are closing in on a managerial hire and the focus appears to be on Mark Kotsay, their current 3B coach and a longtime major league outfielder
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2021
Mark Kotsay can provide continuity for Oakland A’s
A 17 year major league veteran, four of which came with the A’s, Kotsay brings a wealth of experience in multiple facets as the potential replacement for Bob Melvin. While he was never an All Star, Kotsay was a solid major leaguer who spent time at all three outfield positions and at first base.
Following his playing days, Kotsay spent a year in the Padres’ front office before joining the coaching ranks. He was the Padres’ hitting coach in 2015 before returning to Oakland. He initially served as the A’s quality control coach and bench coach before transitioning to his current role as third base coach.
Kotsay has also interviewed for several managerial openings. Not only was he considered as an interim manager when Bud Black was fired in 2015, but he had interviewed for five other openings in the past two years. He had been considered a Manager of the Future and is finally getting his chance.
This will also add a degree of continuity for a team that will be vastly different in 2022. Kotsay has been a part of the organization and is intimately familiar with how the A’s run their operation. As they may be looking at a long rebuild, having someone that familiar with their methods and philosophies will make a difference.
The Oakland A’s need to find a new manager. Their preferred choice may already be a part of the organization in third base coach Mark Kotsay.