Tampa Bay Rays Manager Search: Latest News and Rumors on Vacant Position

The Tampa Bay Rays are about to embark on a new era. After Joe Maddon opted out of his contract with the organization and signed with the Chicago Cubs, the team was left with a major void at the manager position. 

After a lengthy search with a few twists and turns, the team has settled on Kevin Cash as its new manager.

Continue for updates.

Friday, Dec. 5

Kevin Cash Named New Rays Manager

Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune announced that things were official:

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal first reported the Rays' choice.

Thursday, Dec. 4

Ibanez Withdraws Name From Consideration 

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times has an update on the team's search:

Friday, Nov. 21

Rays Name Three Finalists

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times has the latest on the Rays' coaching search:

Saturday, Nov. 8

Rays Interview Barry Larkin:

Bill Chastain of MLB.com provides an update on the Rays' search for a manager:

"

On Saturday the Rays interviewed the final of 10 announced managerial candidates when they talked to Barry Larkin.

[...]

Larkin had interest in the Reds' job two years ago and, prior to 2014, he was a candidate for the Tigers' job before withdrawing his name due to family obligations. However, his youngest child is now out of high school and his son, Shane, plays for the NBA's Knicks.

"

Thursday, Nov. 6

Rays Announce List of Candindates

The Rays have announced their list of potential managerial candidates via Twitter:

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports provided his initial thoughts on the list: 

As of Friday, Nov. 21, all but Ibanez, Cash and Wakamatsu have been removed from consideration.

On Friday, Dec. 5, Kevin Cash, just 36, was reportedly given the job.

It's clear the Rays are casting a wide net to replace Maddon. There are big shoes to fill in Tampa Bay, but the Rays have compiled a list of some of the brightest up-and-coming manager prospects to do so.