Marlins, Mattingly moving toward agreement

MIAMI -- The Marlins continue to move toward finalizing an agreement with Don Mattingly to become their next manager, according to multiple sources. A deal isn't considered imminent, though negotiations have been ongoing since the former Dodgers' skipper interviewed with Miami on Monday.

An official announcement is not expected until after the World Series, though both sides could reach an agreement beforehand.

Mattingly emerged as the clear frontrunner after he amicably parted ways with the Dodgers last Thursday.

Another sign that Miami was progressing toward hiring Mattingly came on Tuesday when Larry Bowa agreed to return to the Phillies as bench coach. Bowa twice interviewed for the Marlins job.

Mattingly compiled a 446-363 record with the Dodgers from 2011-15, including three straight National League West championships.

The Marlins are coming off a disappointing 71-91 season, but the organization has an attractive core of young players, including slugger Giancarlo Stanton and ace Jose Fernandez.

The Marlins made it clear they were open to interviewing a wide range of candidates, but the preference has been to go with someone with big league managing experience.

Since his days with the Yankees, Mattingly has developed a friendship with Marlins' owner Jeffrey Loria, who lives in New York and is a longtime season-ticket holder for the Yankees.