Former SF Giants catcher to remain in Texas after discussing managerial vacancy

Former catcher Nick Hundley is going to be a manager someday. That day will not be in 2024 as Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports that the Giants invited Hundley to interview for the managerial opening, but he has decided to remain with the Texas Rangers for now.

Former SF Giants catcher to remain in Texas after discussing managerial vacancy

Baggarly's phrasing does not make it seem like a formal interview took place. Rather, it feels more like an information-gathering exercise with both Farhan Zaidi and Buster Posey. Hundley is a special assistant to the Rangers' front office and decided that staying with Texas is best for his family.

The Giants' connection to Hundley continues a trend of targeting candidates who are either light on managing experience, a former catcher, or both. Both criteria fit several of the candidates, including Hundley and Stephen Vogt. By the way, we ranked all of the known candidates so far.

Hundley debuted back in 2008 for the San Diego Padres. He played in parts of 12 seasons, including a two-year stint with the Giants beginning in 2017. By that time, he had established himself as a quality backup catcher and clubhouse leader. It took no time for him to be recognized for the latter as he won the Willie Mac award in 2017.

The veteran backstop backstop returned to the Giants in 2018, continuing to fill the gaps when Posey needed a day off. He had brief stops with the Oakland A's and Philadelphia Phillies organizations in the following season. His time with the Phillies was specifically with their Triple-A affiliate and he decided to hang up his cleats shortly thereafter.

Hundley was widely expected to remain in the game and he landed a role with baseball's operations department before serving as a special assistant to Rangers general manager Chris Young.

Interestingly, Hundley is the second candidate with the Rangers organization who declined a chance to pursue managerial opportunities this offseason. With Texas in the ALCS, Rangers' personnel will be in demand this winter and that could still tie back to the Giants when their run is over.