The Miami Marlins are exploring new leadership options, with former bench coach Luis Urueta and Cleveland Guardians’ bench coach Craig Albernaz reportedly under consideration for their managerial vacancy, according to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman. Urueta, who held the Marlins’ bench coach role for the last two seasons, is a particularly interesting candidate since he was let go during Miami’s recent staff overhaul. However, he and Jon Jay were reportedly the only coaches the Marlins showed interest in bringing back.
Urueta’s two-game stint as interim manager for the Marlins at the end of the season, stepping in after former manager Skip Schumaker’s departure for family reasons, showcased his readiness for the role. Before joining Miami, Urueta spent five years on the Diamondbacks’ coaching staff, including three years as their bench coach. Despite his recent release, his experience with the Marlins and the MLB could position him as a familiar choice.
Craig Albernaz, meanwhile, has a unique connection to the Marlins’ front office. In his first season as Cleveland’s bench coach, Albernaz already has the backing of Marlins’ President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix, who knows him from their time with the Rays organization, and assistant GM Gabe Kapler, who worked with him on the Giants’ staff. Albernaz also has a coaching background that spans the Giants, the Rays’ farm system, and his experience behind the plate as a former catcher.
While it’s unclear if formal interviews have taken place, Albernaz’s availability will depend on the Guardians’ playoff journey, while Urueta could step in more immediately. With the Marlins aiming for stability and insight into their potential new skipper, both candidates bring unique experience that could help steer Miami in a new direction for 2025.
