The Miami Marlins are set to name Clayton McCullough, previously a first-base coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as their new manager, according to a source familiar with the situation. The individual requested to remain anonymous until the formal announcement is made, with the news initially reported by ESPN.

At 44 years old, McCullough joined the Dodgers in 2015 as their minor league field coordinator and served as the first-base coach under manager Dave Roberts since the 2021 season. His tenure with the Dodgers culminated in a successful run, as they triumphed over the New York Yankees in a five-game series last month, claiming their eighth World Series title.

McCullough has a background as a former minor league catcher and spent seven seasons managing within the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league system. He is stepping into the role vacated by Skip Schumaker, the 2023 National League Manager of the Year, who left the organization in September following a two-year stint. Under Schumaker, the Marlins posted a record of 146-178 after he was hired in 2022.

A native of Greenville, North Carolina, McCullough began his collegiate career at Vanderbilt before transferring to East Carolina University. Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 22nd round in 2002, he played in their minor league system until 2005.

In their search for a new manager, the Marlins considered other candidates, including former bench coach of the Cleveland Guardians, Craig Albernaz, and Will Venable, who was an associate manager with the Texas Rangers. However, Venable has recently accepted the manager position with the Chicago White Sox on October 30, and Albernaz reportedly has opted out of the managerial race with the Marlins.