Buck Showalter is squarely in the mix for the Angels’ managing job. He finished second to Joe Maddon a few years back, and may be a favorite this time.
If Showalter gets the Angels’ job it’ll be his record-tying sixth managing job. Jimmy Dykes managed six teams, while Joe Torre, Billy Martin, Davey Johnson and Lou Piniella are among many who managed five.
Angels coach Benji Gil is a likely candidate, and former Angels stars Torii Hunter, Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon, plus Dodgers coach Dino Ebel may be considered.
In-house candidates Ryan Flaherty and Mike Schildt are favorites for the Padres job. Some would be surprised to see the Padres go for a first-timer considering their star-studded team, but Flaherty is beloved by their players. Schildt managed well in St. Louis.
Joe Espada and Omar Lopez are among in-house candidates for the Astros managing job. Brad Ausmus, who was runner-up to Dusty Baker (and also to Dana Brown for GM), is expected to be a candidate.
There’s no way Craig Counsell is taking the year off after his free-agency tour that should make him MLB’s highest-paid manager.
Andy Green and Carlos Mendoza, both getting Mets interviews as The Post’s Joel Sherman first reported, are two more known to have multiple meetings (both are interviewing in Cleveland as well).
It’s quiet surrounding Marlins GM job. Chaim Bloom and James Click are logical fits but some wonder if that may be a hard job to fill.
Torey Lovullo should be in line for an extension after the D-backs’ shocking run to the World Series. He’s contracted only through 2024.
With four World Series title, Bruce Bochy is not only a future Hall of Famer but must rank with the greatest managers ever.
If Piniella doesn’t get the Hall call from the veterans committee — he was one vote short last time — Jim Leyland would make a good choice.
