Los Angeles Dodgers front office members and coaches have become popular targets for other organizations, and Clayton McCullough is among those to have drawn interest over recent years.
The 42-year-old first began working for the Dodgers as a Minor League coordinator until he was promoted to his current role as first base coach in 2021. McCullough took over the position for George Lombard, who was hired to become the Detroit Tigers bench coach.
Now it appears McCullough could be in line for a new role with a different organization.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, McCullough is among the candidates to become the new Kansas City Royals manager:
Clayton McCullough, #Dodgers first base coach, is among the candidates for the #Royals managerial opening, as I reported earlier today on @MLBNetwork.
Of note: McCullough's father, Howard, is a scout with the Royals. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 6, 2022
The Royals’ reported interest in McCullough comes on the heels of announcing Mike Matheny would not be returning in 2023 after three consecutive losing seasons. In addition to Matheny, longtime Royals president of baseball operations Dayton Moore was fired as well.
McCullough, who was taken in the 22nd round of the 2002 MLB Draft by the then-Cleveland Indians, never made it to the big leagues as a player. However, he has various experiences both playing and coaching in the Minors, which includes managing in the Toronto Blue Jays farm system from 2007-2014.
Will the Royals hire Clayton McCullough?
Many would agree McCullough appears to be a strong fit to become the new Royals manager, given his success with the Dodgers and earning praise from several members with the organization.
The New York Mets reportedly had interest in McCullough before hiring Buck Showalter as manager, and then were thought to be open to potentially adding him to the staff as bench coach. That interest was not believed to be mutual, however, and McCullough remained with the Dodgers to keep their coaching staff intact for the 2022 season.
Although the American League Central includes dominant teams like the star-filled Minnesota Twins, current division champion Cleveland Guardians, and budding Chicago White Sox, perhaps with McCullough as manager the young and exciting Kansas City roster can return to contention faster than expected.
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