Amid much online speculation that Buck Showalter was possibly among the favorites to become the Padres’ next manager, two sources on Tuesday said that is not the case.

The former manager of the Yankees, Diamondbacks, Rangers and Orioles is not in the mix, according to one source in the organization and one outside, both of whom spoke on the condition they not be identified. But two other men with ties to Padres General Manager A.J. Preller from his time in the Rangers’ front office are possibilities to replace the fired Andy Green.

Ron Washington, manager of the Rangers when they went to back-to-back World Series and now third base coach for the Atlanta Braves, is highly respected by Preller and can’t be ruled out. And Jayce Tingler, who spent 2019 on the Rangers’ coaching staff working with outfielders and baserunners after two years as assistant GM, is believed to be among the men in the ever-dwindling group of what is believed to be four or five remaining candidates. Tingler, who will turn 39 at the end of February, worked closely with Preller when both were with the Rangers.

While the Padres began their manager search with experience being one of the primary characteristics they sought, sources said Preller’s initial list contained many intriguing names that had not managed in the major leagues. Owners Ron Fowler and Peter Seidler are involved in the interview process, but Fowler has said the final decision is Preller’s. Several people around the majors believe Preller will go with someone he knows and have noted his penchant for making decisions considered outside the box.


The team is purposefully conducting its search with a premium on secrecy.

All along, the few people who have provided information have warned of the fluidity of the situation. Additionally, inherent in these processes is misinformation from various corners.

For instance, the day before Green was named Padres manager in 2016, several reports said either Ron Gardenhire or Rick Sofield seemed on the verge of getting the job.

It is known the Padres are looking to conclude the search for Green’s replacement as soon as possible. One reason is that the sooner the new manager is hired, the sooner he can assemble a staff. Six other teams are hiring a new manager this offseason.