Report: Ryan Christenson To Interview For Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Position

Rumors are starting to swirl more and more surrounding the Pittsburgh Pirates and their open managerial position

It has been 15 days since the Pittsburgh Pirates dismissed Clint Hurdle as the team’s manager. After nine years at the helm, Hurdle’s tenured ended after the team posted a losing record in three of the last four seasons.

After no major news on the Pirate search front, the rumors have started to swirl. Yesterday, former MLB outfielder Sam Fuld was connected to the Pirates. However, on Monday he removed himself from consideration for multiple jobs including the Pirates.

Also on Monday, Oakland A’s quality control coach, and former MLB outfielder, Mark Kotsay emerged as a candidate as well. Former Pirate bench coach Jeff Bannister, Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada and Minnesota Twins bench coach Derek Shelton have all been connected to the Bucs as well.

Another member of the A’s organization has joined this list. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, A’s bench coach Ryan Christenson will interview with the Pirates about their open managerial position.

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that this interview will occur next week.

The 45-year-old Christenson spent six seasons in the Majors as an outfielder. During his playing days he made stops in Oakland, Arizona, Milwaukee, and Texas.

Since 2013 he has worked in the A’s system. He has been a manager for the A’s at the Low-A, High-A and Double-A levels. During his time as the manager of the Double-A Midland RockHounds Christenson found great success leading the RockHounds to consecutive league championships in 2015 and 2016.

After his success at the Double-A level, Christenson was promoted to the Triple-A level. In 2017 he managed the A’s Triple-A affiliate – the Nashville Sound. After spending just one season in Nashville, Christenson was promoted to become the A’s bench coach in 2018. During his time as a minor league manager for the A’s Christenson played a key role in the development of A’s All-Stars such as Matt Chapman and Matt Olson.

Christenson has served as Bob Melvin‘s bench coach each of the past two seasons. The A’s have made the postseason in each of these seasons. Furthermore, the A’s, like the Pirates, are a small market team which could also play into Christenson’s favor during the interview process.