Giants predicted to replace Bob Melvin with 409-win dark horse candidate, former franchise player

Hunter Cookston

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Giants predicted to replace Bob Melvin with 409-win dark horse candidate, former franchise player image

Jul 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin (6) stands in the dugout in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The San Francisco Giants are in search of their next manager as the organization prepares for a major shift heading into next season. While the roster is well-constructed and capable of making the playoffs, the team hasn’t been able to get over the hump — which ultimately led to the dismissal of Bob Melvin.

“After careful evaluation, we determined that making a change in leadership was in the best interest of the team," said Buster Posey, the Giants' president of baseball operations. "The last couple of months have been both disappointing and frustrating for all of us, and we did not perform up to our standards. We now turn our focus to identifying a new leader to guide us forward."

Posey hasn’t provided many details about the ongoing search behind the scenes, but a recent report did confirm that the team interviewed at least one notable candidate.

“The SF Giants' search for a new manager took an interesting turn on Friday. According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Giants met with longtime catcher Kurt Suzuki about the managerial opening. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle was the first to report this interview,” Around the Foghorn’s Jeff Young wrote.

Another potential — and perhaps unexpected — candidate is former Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell.

“Many believed that David Bell was going to be the successor to Bruce Bochy in San Francisco when he rejoined the organization in 2017 after he played for the Giants in 2002 and had a very memorable moment with the team,” Around the Foghorn’s Nick San Miguel wrote. “Instead, he went to the Cincinnati Reds and served as manager from 2019 to 2024 with a record of 409-456 and was fired after last season. Maybe he could make sense as a guy with managerial experience and ties to the Giants.”

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Hiring Bell would certainly be a surprising move, as he doesn't necessarily fit what many believe to be Posey’s ideal managerial profile. However, his previous experience with the organization means he would enter with an understanding of the expectations.

Ultimately, the goal is simple: find the right candidate. And if Bell is that person, he’ll be the one to lead the Giants into the next chapter.

Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.