Although it is probably not the move that some Dodgers fans were hoping for, it was reported on Wednesday morning by MLB Trade Rumors (via MLB Network‘s Jon Morosi) that 42-year-old Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough has interviewed for the vacant Royals managerial position and is considered to be a finalist for the position.

Per Morosi, the Royals have also reportedly interviewed Phillies third base coach Dusty Wathan and Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro for the position, as well as interviewing in-house with current bench coach Pedro Grifol, third base coach Vance Wilson and Triple-A manager Scott Thorman. It is not clear, however, if any of these are considered ‘finalists’ for the job.

McCullough, a 22nd-round draft pick in 2002 by the (then) Cleveland Indians out of East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, spent three seasons as a catcher in the minor leagues before retiring from playing at 25. He quickly moved into coaching and worked as a manager within the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system between 2007 and 2014. The Dodgers hired McCullough as their minor league field coordinator after his time in Toronto and promoted him to first base coach 2021.

Morosi adds that this is not the first time McCullough has been linked to a major league managerial job. He interviewed with the Mets for their vacant manager position in 2021 before ultimately choosing Buck Showalter and interviewed with the Giants, who ultimately went with Gabe Kapler.

Although the Royals’ list of candidates to fill their vacant manager position continues to grow after three-year Royals manager Mike Matheny was let go following his team’s dismal 65-97 record in 2022, the fact that they appear to be narrowing it down to ‘finalists’ suggests that they are nearing a decision.

There is no disputing that losing McCullough would be a huge blow to (current) Dodgers manager Dave Roberts‘ coaching staff, but this would be a tremendous opportunity for the extremely popular (current) Dodgers first base coach.

Play Ball!

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