Kansas City Royals should consider Buck Showalter for manager

The Kansas City Royals may be focused on internal candidates for their managerial vacancy, but a certain external candidate could make the most sense.

At some point, the Kansas City Royals will address their managerial vacancy. Ned Yost has retired, leaving a void on the bench that must be filled. However, with an upcoming change in ownership, the Royals managerial search has moved at a glacial pace, with only bullpen coach Vance Wilson having known to have interviewed for the position.

That does not mean that there are no other candidates. Pedro Grifol, the Royals catching and quality control coach, is also being considered, but has also been mentioned as a candidate for the Giants. Dale Sveum, who replaced Yost in Milwaukee, is thought to be a possibility. And then, there is Mike Matheny, who is considered the favorite to become the next Royals manager.

While the Royals would obviously prefer to find their next manager from within the organization, their best choice may not be a part of the Royals family currently. Former longtime manager Buck Showalter is looking to return to the dugout, and could be an intriguing option for Kansas City.

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Showalter does have a track record of helping to develop younger teams and bringing them to the postseason. From his first managerial role with the Yankees, through his tenure in Baltimore, he has been a solid manager when it comes to helping a team build up their younger roster.

Given that track record, it is not a surprise that Manny Machado wanted the Padres to interview his former manager. While they passed on even granting Showalter an interview, he did get consideration for the Phillies and Angels vacancies. Showalter is also considered a possibility for the Mets, who may be back to square one in their own search with Joe Girardi heading to Philadelphia.

Bringing Showalter on board would be a change in the Royals philosophy. Since the passing of Ewing Kauffman, they have brought in relatively unheralded managers, with the hopes that they would grow with the team. However, with new ownership coming in, and a desire to win, the Royals may want a manager with a better track record than what they would normally consider.

With their intriguing prospects and a rebuild that will hopefully be coming to an end soon, the Kansas City Royals need a manager that will be able to help guide them through the end of the rebuild. Buck Showalter has a track record of being able to do just that.