Categories: News

Marlins reportedly hire Gabe Kapler in front office role

Gabe Kapler is heading to the Marlins. (Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire)

Former Phillies manager Gabe Kapler is back in the National League East.

He is joining the Miami Marlins front office as an assistant general manager, according to a report from Craig Mish.

Kapler, 48, was fired by the San Francisco Giants after a disappointing 79-83 season in 2023. It’s unclear if he was a serious candidate, but Kapler reportedly interviewed with the Red Sox earlier this offseason for their president of baseball operations opening.

Before he became Phillies manager, Kapler led the Los Angeles Dodgers’ player development department. As Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic added, Kapler’s focus with the Marlins will be in player development, but he’ll be involved in all aspects of baseball operations for Miami.

Kapler will work under new Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix, who was previously the general manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

The assistant GM position is perceived as one of the most desirable jobs in baseball. Assistant GMs typically have more job security than their GM/president of baseball operations counterparts and typically do not have to speak on the record with reporters.

Even though he won’t be the typical anonymous assistant GM, it’s a great gig for Kapler, who has dealt with plenty of criticism regarding his managing style in both Philadelphia and San Francisco. The Giants, like the Phillies, are going in a very different direction following Kapler’s tenure as manager. They are as desperate as any team to land stars and get away from relying heavily on platoons and bullpen games three out of five days.