Report: Kevin Long generating buzz around MLB as managerial candidate

As the Phillies were dousing each other in champagne in celebration of an NLCS berth, some news came out about the potential future of the hitting coach who helped them get there. 

MLB Network’s Mark Feinsand reported on Saturday that Kevin Long has emerged as a candidate to fill one of the five Major League managerial openings, after just one season as the Phillies’ hitting coach. 

There’s buzz within the industry that Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long is emerging as a potential managerial candidate for at least one of the five openings (Royals, White Sox, Marlins, Blue Jays and Rangers).

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) October 15, 2022

As Feinsand also noted, Long has earned plenty of praise in helping turn the Phillies’ offense into one of the better groups in the sport, ranking seventh in the regular season in runs and eighth in OPS even after a tough first two months of the season. 

Should Long be hired away after the postseason, his impact on the current roster wouldn’t leave with him. Long’s input to the front office is a significant reason why the Phillies traded for Brandon Marsh in August (and Marsh’s offensive production has increased upon coming from Anaheim to Philadelphia). Bryson Stott has credited Long with helping him shorten his stride, and Kyle Schwarber experienced somewhat of a career renaissance with Long in Washington before the two joined the Phillies this offseason. Those are just a few names who have spoken highly of Long’s mentorship this season.

Kevin Long and Kyle Schwarber embrace after advancing to the NLCS. pic.twitter.com/rcaL5A7w4x

— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) October 15, 2022

Long was a Joe Girardi hire (the two spent several years together in New York), but given how much the Phillies seem to like him, it seems unlikely Long wouldn’t be part of now full-time manager Rob Thomson’s staff in 2023 and beyond — unless, of course, he’s hired away as a manager elsewhere. 

His focus might not be there quite yet. The Phillies — in case you haven’t heard — are in their first NLCS since 2010, and a departure before the end of their postseason runs wouldn’t happen.

However, once the offseason comes — whether it follows an elimination or a suddenly realistic World Series championship — Long’s status with the organization will surely be a story worth following.

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