Gabe Kapler: Philadelphia Phillies to hire new manager

Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Former MLB outfielder Gabe Kapler will be the new manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, according to multiple sources.

Sources told MLB.com Sunday that the Phillies could announce the decision on Monday. Kapler will be named the 54th manager for the franchise. The Phillies have not yet confirmed the news.

In September the Phillies announced the transition of manager Pete Mackanin to a new role as special assistant to the general manager. Mackanin, 66, posted a 174-238 record in three years as the Phillies' skipper. The franchise posted a 66-96 record in 2017, finishing in last place in the National League East.

"We're not firing him. We're transitioning him into a new role," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak told reporters in September. "I think now with the way the rebuild is unfolding and the way that some of our young players are graduating to the big leagues and the way that the outlook is shaping up, that is why I think a new voice in the dugout and a new style is necessary. It has nothing to do with me not liking Pete or being disappointed in him."

Gabe Kapler posted a .268 batting average in 12 seasons for the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. File photo by Gary C. Caskey/UPI

The Phillies have expressed reported interest in Colorado Rockies bench coach Mike Redmond, Ruben Amaro Jr., Cleveland Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway, Oakland Athletics third base coach Chip Hale, San Francisco Giants third base coach Phil Nevin, Seattle Mariners third base coach Manny Acta, Phillies third base coach Juan Samuel and minor league manager Dusty Wathan since the news of Mackanin's departure.

MLB.com reported that the Phillies interviewed Callaway, Hale, Nevin in October. Kapler was in Philadelphia Friday for his second round of interviews. That interview round also included Wathan and former Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell.

Sources also told FanRag Sports on Sunday that Kapler would be the Phillies' choice.

Kapler, 42, managed Red Sox affiliate Class A Greenville in 2007. He posted a .268 batting average in 12 seasons for the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Rockies, Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. He won a World Series in 2004 with the Red Sox. He was serving as the Los Angeles Dodgers' director of player development. Kapler previously served as a baseball analyst for Fox Sports and helped coach Team Israel in the 2012 World Baseball Classic.