The Rangers have added a fourth external candidate to their managerial search, and it's a big name with a big ring: Joe Girardi.

According to two sources, Girardi, who managed the New York Yankees for 10 seasons, including their last World Series title, was in Arlington on Friday to meet with the Rangers. The Yankees let Girardi go after losing the AL Championship Series to the Houston Astros last year.

Girardi, who turns 54 on Sunday, had a 910-710 record with the Yankees and won the 2009 World Series over Philadelphia. He also managed Florida in 2006, winning the NL Manager of the Year award for guiding a rebuilding team to a 78-84 finish.

It brings to four the number of official interviews the Rangers have had. The team also interviewed assistant general manager Jayce Tingler, Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde and Houston bench coach Joe Espada earlier in the week. The Rangers are also expected to conduct a formal interview with Don Wakamatsu, who finished the season as interim manager.

The Rangers, according to sources, have also done background work on Rod Barajas (San Diego Triple-A manager), Chris Woodward (Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach), Mark DeRosa (MLB Network analyst), David Bell (San Francisco Giants executive), Rocco Baldelli (Tampa Bay coach), Dusty Wathan (Philadelphia third base coach) and Sandy Alomar Jr. (Cleveland coach).

Girardi has spent the last season also working as an analyst for MLB Network. He has already interviewed for the opening in Cincinnati. With the exception of Wakamatsu, Girardi is the only known candidate to have previous MLB managing experience.

The first round of interviews is expected to continue into next week. It's possible the Rangers could not have a manager in place when GM Jon Daniels and his staff go to Arizona for pro scouting meetings Oct. 22.

Twitter: @Evan_P_Grant