The Miami Marlins have concluded their search for a new manager and are set to hire Don Mattingly, according to a report by VICE Sports.
Mattingly has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal which the team has yet to confirm. Major League Baseball frowns upon transactions during the World Series and Miami is likely going to wait out the unofficial blackout period. With the World Series in full swing, an official announcement may be mere days away.
The hiring is a big step for the Marlins as they try to move forward with a proven and experienced leader. Before Mattingly, Miami handed the managerial job to Mike Redmond and Dan Jennings. Both men lacked big league coaching experience with the latter having no experience at any pro level.
In his five seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mattingly accumulated a record of 446-363 and won his division three straight times. Despite a 92-win season in 2015, the Mattingly and Dodgers mutually decided to part ways last week. Los Angeles has the highest payroll in baseball and expectations were rightfully higher than a division title.
The Marlins will hope that Mattingly is the man that can right the ship in Miami. The franchise has not seen the postseason since 2003 and has had several losing seasons along the way. This playoff drought is one of the longest in baseball and has come despite a plethora of talent. The current roster although imperfect is not considered far from being a contending one.
Once Mattingly's contract becomes official, the team will need to round out his coaching staff. It is unknown at this time which coaches may return to Miami and if any will join Mattingly from LA. Perry Hill would appear to be the most likely to return due to his contract for 2016 and his excellent reputation.
Miami will need to turn its attention to the players on the field after these coaching decisions. Among the needs for the Marlins is a reliable starting pitcher. The rotation was in shambles at times in 2015 and the team needs at least one more dependable arm behind Jose Fernandez.
