The San Francisco Giants have received permission to interview San Diego Padres manager Bob Melvin, per a report by The Athletic on Sunday.

According to the report, the 61-year-old Melvin is the leading candidate to replace Gabe Kapler, who was fired in late September following nearly four seasons at the helm.

Melvin, who is under contract with San Diego through next season, declined to comment, as did Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller.

The Padres reached the National League Championship Series in 2022 and appeared to be poised for another deep playoff run in 2023 but missed the postseason. Despite the disappointing result, the Padres made it public that they were keeping both Preller and Melvin.

The Giants have interviewed four internal candidates and sought permission on others, but that was before Melvin – a Bay Area native and three-time Manager of the Year — emerged as an available option for Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi.

Melvin, a former Giants catcher, and Zaidi worked together in Oakland, with Melvin managing and Zaidi serving as assistant general manager.

San Francisco conducted four internal interviews with managerial candidates earlier this month, with bench coach Kai Correa, third base coach Mark Hallberg, assistant coach Alyssa Nakken and special assistant Ron Wotus.

Outside the organization, the Giants earlier this week interviewed former A’s catcher Stephen Vogt, who played for Melvin and is now the bullpen and quality control coach for the Seattle Mariners.

Per the New York Post, the Giants have asked for permission to interview former Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who is now Boston’s game planning coordinator.

–Field Level Media