Mark Kotsay has been hired to be the new manager of the Oakland Athletics. He signed a three-year contract through the 2024 season, which also includes a club option for the 2025 campaign.

The Athletics have been searching for a new manager since Bob Melvin’s departure to San Diego to manage the Padres.

“I really see myself as someone who comes across as transparent, someone who cares,” Kotsay said. “I want the players to know that I care about them, first and foremost. I think that comes across. I think the relationship I’ve developed inside this organization if you get an opportunity to talk to, whether it’s baseball ops, whether it’s front office, whether it’s player development, I think the care factor is at the top of my list.”

Kotsay has been part of Oakland’s coaching team since late 2015 when the Athletics named him their new bench coach, replacing Mike Aldrete. In 2017, he became the quality control coach for the Athletics.

“I’m an open book, I may have some emotion that comes across at times, good and bad, but I think the players understand that I’m there for them,” Kotsay said.

His predecessor wished him nothing but the best for the upcoming MLB season.

“He’s a perfect fit for the team and the front office as well,” Melvin said in a text message, as per ESPN. “I wish him the best going forward and know he’ll do a great job.”