The number of MLB managerial openings grew on Monday, with the somewhat unexpected news that Padres manager Mike Shildt is retiring. While this likely does not have a major impact on the Braves process to fill their own opening, it is one more attractive job for potential candidates to consider.
As we all know, Alex Anthopoulos will move at his own pace and will be complete and thorough in ensuring the right decision is made. However, it is also hard to deny that if Anthopoulos clearly has a person in mind, getting the decision made sooner than later likely has multiple benefits. Not only does it prevent other teams from swooping in to make a better offer, but it is one box checked for what likely is a busy off-season ahead.
Demetrius Bell looks at the latest when it comes to Ha-Seong Kim. While MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reports Kim is expected to decline his $16M player option, Kim himself remains undecided. However, it is hard to deny the logic in Bowman’s assessment, as Kim would likely have plenty of suitors.