San Francisco Giants interview Alyssa Nakken for vacant hot seat, trailblazer could become MLB's first-ever female manager

Alyssa Nakken made history when she was hired by the San Francisco Giants as an assistant coach in 2020, becoming the first female coach in MLB history. Now, the 33-year old may be poised to take things a step further.

On Oct. 15, journalist Andrew Baggarly reported that the Giants were interviewing Nakken for the position of head manager. If successful, she will be the first female coach in North American pro sports history.

"The San Francisco Giants have formally interviewed assistant coach Alyssa Nakken for their manager position, per @extrabaggs" - FOX Sports: MLB

The vacancy comes after the San Francisco Giants relieved former manager Gabe Kepler of his managerial duties in late September after posting a road record of 3-14. That effectively shut the books on the team's postseason hopes for the third straight season.

A graduate of the University of San Francisco, Alyssa Nakken began working with the Giants as an intern in 2014. Following her promotion to chief information officer, Nakken began coaching in 2020.

In April 2022, Nakken filled in as a first base coach in a game against the San Diego Padres. It was the first time a female had taken the field in a coaching capacity in the MLB regular season.

"Alyssa Nakken making more history, becoming the first woman to coach on the field during an MLB game" - Alex Pavlovic

In August, Alyssa Nakken and her husband Richard announced that the pair were expecting their first child. It's unclear if this will have any impact on her ability to manage the team if she's successful in the interview.

Other names that have been floated as possible replacements to Kepler include third base coach Mark Hallberg, bullpen coach Craig Albernaz and interim coach Kai Correa.

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Alyssa Nakken's entry into MLB managerial role would set an extraordinary precedent

While Nakken's role as the future manager of the Giants is far from solidified, the fact that she's being considered is a monumental step. While her baseball acumen is impeccable, she's likely to face a fair amount of skepticism from fans and onlookers should she be selected.

However, things are desperate in San Francisco. The Giants finished with a 79-83 record in 2023, placing them fourth in their division, 21 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Perhaps a massive shakeup is what's needed for the ailing ballclub.