WASHINGTON -- The Nationals began interviewing candidates for their vacant managerial position this week. Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez and former Red Sox manager John Farrell both interviewed in D.C. this week, a source confirmed to MLB.com, as Washington begins its interview process to replace Dusty Baker.
Martinez is currently considered the favorite for the job, according to a source, after spending the past 10 years learning behind manager Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay and Chicago. This is not the first time Martinez has interviewed with the Nationals and he is regarded highly around the league as being ready to take the next step.
"I'm really hoping Davey gets this job," Maddon said Thursday. "It's about time he's being considered so strongly. He's ready to do this, it's time for him to hold his own baby and go out there and have his voice be heard. Obviously, we're all pulling for Davey. It's the right time for him."
The Nats also brought in Farrell for an interview on Friday, during the same week where he reportedly interviewed for the Phillies' position. Farrell took over a Red Sox team that was ready to win in 2013 and led them to a World Series championship that year. It's a similar situation for whoever is selected for the Nationals' job, taking command of a loaded roster with hopes to push them over the hump.
Farrell carries a championship resume and pedigree to the job, but his tenure in Boston was uneven, including a pair of last-place finishes in the American League East. He rebounded with back-to-back division titles in 2016 and '17, with consecutive first-round exits in the postseason that helped lead to his dismissal.
The Nationals are expected to interview Mets bench coach Kevin Long for the opening. Another manager with World Series credentials hit the market Thursday when the Yankees let go of their manager, Joe Girardi. Although he makes a lot of sense for the opening in Washington, the Nats had not reached out to Girardi as of Friday.
There is some skepticism whether the Nationals would be able to attract Girardi, who just completed a four-year, $16 million contract with New York. Baker was managing under a two-year, $4 million contract during the past two seasons.