Has a favorite emerged in Guardians' search for Terry Francona's successor?

The Cleveland Guardians' search for the next manager is still in its beginning stages, but is it possible that a favorite has already emerged? It is if one is to believe Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Nightengale recently noted that Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable is considered the favorite to succeed Terry Francona. 

"Will Venable, associate manager of the Texas Rangers, is considered by several executives as the favorite to replace Terry Francona as the Cleveland Guardians manager. "

- Bob Nightengale on Guardians' search

Other possible options for the Guardians in their quest to find their next manager include New York Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza and San Francisco Giants coach Craig Albernaz.

While it may not seem like it on the surface, the Guardians' managerial opening is a very appealing job to prospective options. This is a team that has routinely found a way to win more often than not despite not having a high payroll. Additionally, having a star third baseman (Jose Ramirez) under contract helps out just a little bit.

Venable has worked his way up the coaching ladder in his post-playing days, getting his first coaching experience at the big league level in 2018 as the Cubs' first base coach, becoming their third base coach in his final season with the club in 2020. Since then, Venable has spent time as a bench coach for the Boston Red Sox under Alex Cora. Venable would join Bruce Bochy in his return to the dugout as the Rangers' associate manager.

If anyone is skeptical about this report, nobody would blame them. Nightengale is no stranger to reporting something and having the complete opposite come to fruition. With that being said, Venable should continue to be considered a candidate until he publicly says he is not or the position is filled by someone else.