Report: Josh Byrnes front-runner for top executive job under Dodgers' Andrew Friedman

Former San Diego Padres general manager Josh Byrnes is reportedly the leading candidate to serve under Andrew Friedman in the Los Angeles Dodgers' new front office regime.

League sources tell Jon Heyman of CBS Sports that Byrnes's experience could elevate his candidacy over a host of other names that include New York Yankees assistant GM Billy Eppler.

Heyman notes Friedman and Byrnes reportedly maintain a close relationship, which could factor in him landing the position under the former Tampa Bay Rays executive.

From the report:

The set-up, whenever it is finalized, is likely to be something akin to the Theo Epstein-Jed Hoyer arrangement with the Cubs, though it isn't known whether Byrnes, if hired, would have the GM title.

The Dodgers hired Friedman away from the Rays last week, replacing longtime GM Ned Colletti after the club's second straight early exit from the playoffs.

Byrnes managed a Padres roster to its most wins (77) since 2010 this season, but was fired in June after the team failed to live up to expectations, according to team president Mike Dee.

Prior to his two-and-a-half-year reign in San Diego, Byrnes was GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He served there for five seasons, guiding the team to the NL Championship Series in 2007.

Heyman reports that other candidates include ex-Washington Nationals executive Bryan Minniti and Boston Red Sox assistant GM Mike Hazen.