The Phillies are now finished interviewing candidates. The three candidates: Joe Girardi, Dusty Baker and Buck Showalter are all finished not only their initial interviews, but second interviews, too. But it appears that a leading candidate has emerged now that interviews are complete.
According to Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Girardi is the "leading candidate":
Girardi, according to a source, emerged as the “leading candidate” for the job after the Phillies conducted follow-up interviews over the last few days with Girardi, Buck Showalter and Dusty Baker. Girardi has not managed since 2017, when he finished a decade-long run with the Yankees. He managed the Yankees to six postseason trips and the 2009 World Series title.
But does that mean that the Phillies are making an aggressive offer?
The New York Mets reportedly will give Girardi a second interview later this week. Could the Phillies nab Girardi before he has that second interview? Will the Mets even decide on Girardi? This should be very interesting as it plays out over the course of the next week.
