SF Giants reportedly interview Alyssa Nakken for manager position

Both The Athletic and the Chronicle also name Texas Rangers hitting coach Donnie Ecker as a likely candidate for the job. Ecker was the hitting coach for the Giants in Kapler’s first two years and was considered a key piece of the Giants’ 2021 season, when they won 107 games and beat the Dodgers for the NL West title.

Still, the interview of Nakken is prominent for several reasons — not the least of which includes the fact that she’s currently pregnant. Back in August her husband, Robert Abel, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Nakken’s due date is February 9, just before the start of pitchers and catchers reporting.

Nakken, 33, getting the interview could be a sign that the Giants would consider her for the role even as she deals with the first months of motherhood. It’s also as clear of a sign as any that Nakken will remain heavily involved with the Giants, even if she isn’t the eventual choice for manager.

She’s already been a barrier breaker twice, first when she became the first woman on an MLB coaching staff when she was hired in 2020. Then, in 2022, she became the first woman to coach on the field in a game when she took over as first base coach when Antoan Richardson was ejected.

Prior to Sunday, Nakken wasn’t among the dozens of names associated with the Giants’ manager position. But now that she has interviewed, it further opens the possibility her managing in the future.

The Giants will continue interviews in the days ahead, though the postseason may cause hangups – and some personal consternation, too. Ecker and the Rangers, led by former Giants manager Bruce Bochy, are starting the ALCS on Sunday night in Houston against the Astros, who are managed by another former Giants manager in Dusty Baker.

Other names connected to the Giants’ search from around baseball have included Mariners coach Stephen Vogt, Rangers bench coach Will Venable, Team USA manager and MLB Network personality Mark DeRosa and Astros coach Joe Espada.