Giants hire Kapler as manager
The San Francisco Giants have hired Gabe Kapler to be their next manager, the team announced Tuesday.
Kapler most recently served as the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies but was fired following the 2019 campaign. He finished with a 161-163 record in two seasons.
It’s official! Please join us in welcoming our new Manager, Gabe Kapler.#SFGiants pic.twitter.com/YWQWUqp4JP
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) November 13, 2019
The 44-year-old, who signed a three-year contract with the team, will be introduced during a press conference at Oracle Park on Wednesday.
"Our top priority in the next manager was to find someone who can build strong relationships with our players, coaches, front office, and fans, and someone who has the drive and desire to win," Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said in a statement. "After an exhaustive and comprehensive search, we are delighted to welcome Gabe Kapler as the next manager of the San Francisco Giants."
Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada and Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro were considered to be the other finalists for the gig.
Zaidi worked with Kapler while employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kapler was a finalist for the Dodgers' managerial job before Dave Roberts was hired in 2015.
Bruce Bochy managed the Giants from 2007 to 2019 and retired at the end of this past season. He won three World Series titles with San Francisco.
Kapler becomes the 37th manager in the franchise's history and 17th since it moved to San Francisco in 1958.