Former SF Giants coach considered a big candidate for Miami Marlins gig

The Miami Marlins have a managerial vacancy after parting ways with Skip Schumaker and could consider a former SF Giants coach. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that Craig Albernaz is considered a "big candidate" for Miami's gig.

Former SF Giants coach considered a big candidate for Miami Marlins gig

At the moment, Albernaz is focusing on getting the Cleveland Guardians to the ALCS. Cleveland is tied with the Detroit Tigers at two wins apiece in a good matchup between surprising teams.

Albernaz is in his first year as the bench coach for the Guardians. When Stephen Vogt took over for Terry Francona last winter, Albernaz was one of his first big hires.

Before that, Albernaz joined former Giants manager Gabe Kapler's staff to be the bullpen and catching coach prior to the 2020 season. During his time in that role, he was well-regarded in getting Giants catchers to improve their pitch framing.

When Kapler was fired at the end of the 2023 season, many of his coaches were free to look elsewhere for opportunities. Many coaches, including Albernaz, found new homes immediately. In fact, Albernaz interviewed for Cleveland's vacancy before Vogt got the job.

Shortly after the 41-year-old joined Cleveland's coaching staff, another former Giants coach in Kai Correa was hired by the organization as well.

The Giants did keep a handful of coaches from Kapler's staff. This included Mark Hallberg, Alyssa Nakken, J.P. Martinez, and Justin Viele. Both Hallberg and Nakken interviewed for the Giants' managerial vacancy last winter before Bob Melvin was hired.

Meanwhile, Albernaz received a promotion by moving into a bench coach role with Cleveland. It turns out his work is being viewed favorably around the league if he is being considered for managerial jobs.

It bears mentioning that Albernaz has some pretty strong ties to the Marlins' front office. Kapler is currently serving as an assistant general manager, so he knows Albernaz quite well after working together for four seasons.

On the other hand, Miami's general manager, Peter Bendix, knows Albernaz from their time together in the Tampa Bay Rays organization in the late 2010's. Having connections does not guarantee that a person will get the job but it can open the door.

As Jon Heyman notes, the Marlins' bench coach Luis Urueta is also considered a strong candidate for the role and served as interim manager for the final two games of 2024.