According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Raul Ibañez is being heavily considered by numerous organizations to take their managerial vacancies in 2020. Ibañez has held the title of Special Assistant to the General Manager since 2016, but has since worked under Andrew Friedman following the departure of Giants’ general manager Farhan Zaidi.
Raul Ibañez, long viewed as a candidate for the #SFGiants managerial vacancy, will be considered by the #Cubs, as well. Has big-market experience as a player, front-office background with #Dodgers, and is an exceptional communicator in English and Spanish. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) September 30, 2019
Ibañez is thought to be a hot commodity as many other people within the Dodgers front office are considered to be as well. The 47-year-old retired from the game in 2014, but immediately joined the Dodgers’ front office two seasons later. He enjoyed an 18-year career with the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees.
In recent days, as always comes with the end of the regular season, many managers have been relieved of their duty. Most notably, the Chicago Cubs notified manager Joe Maddon he would not be returning as the club trends downwards. The San Francisco Giants saw Bruce Bochy retire from the game a few days ago and are now scrambling to fill the vacancy. In addition, the Anaheim Angels fired Brad Ausmus and the Pittsburgh Pirates let Clint Hurdle go.
Ibañez is not the only member of the Dodgers organization who is garnering consideration to fill a managerial vacancy either. Bench coach Bob Geren is being heavily considered by the Giants, as well.
It should be interesting to see the managerial movement this off-season to find out who end up being additions and subtractions to the Dodgers organization.
