The Guardians announced Tuesday that Terry Francona is stepping down as Cleveland’s manager, and one of the candidates the organization already has contacted to interview to be his successor is Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza, The Post has learned.
It was known for weeks that Francona, 64, was stepping down due to health-related issues, likely ending one of the most successful managerial careers in MLB history.
Francona has managed for 23 years, won two World Series with the Red Sox and became the winningest manager in Guardians history during his 11-year tenure, which peaked with an AL title in 2016.
He is the 13th-winningest manager ever.
The Guardians will now be replacing the active manager, who had the longest tenure with his current team.
Francona joined the Guardians after the 2012 season.
Mendoza, 43, has coached in the Yankee organization since 2009, including the last four as Aaron Boone’s bench coach.
He has interviewed for several managerial openings, including the Red Sox and Tigers after the 2020 season and the White Sox and Royals after last season.
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