Phillies GM search: Royals Assistant GM J.J Picollo emerging as favorite

With Ruben Amaro Jr. out as general manager in Philadelphia, new club president Andy MacPhail has been tasked with finding the next person to run their front office. The organization might have found that person, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The #Phillies still plan to interview six more candidates, for their GM opening but #Royals assistant GM J.J. Picollo is now heavy favorite

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 19, 2015

Picollo has been with the Royals since 2006, holding his current position as assistant GM since 2008. Before that, he spent seven years working in the Braves organization. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported yesterday that Picollo was interview by the Phillies, with the total number of known interviews sitting at four. Angels assistant GM Matt Klentak, Indians executive Ross Atkins and ex-Marlins GM Larry Beinfest are the others. They have also looked at MLB executive Kim Ng.

It's been a quiet process with not a lot of information being leaked about this process, but the Phillies would be wise to finish this search before the offseason begins. Whoever comes in to take this gig would likely want time to look over the pool of talent that they have in order to address their needs in the offseason. They are left with the treasure trove of talent that Amaro got in return for Cole Hamels, giving the newly hired GM at least a good place to start.