Nationals interview Farrell; no contact yet with Girardi

The Nationals interviewed one available World Series-winning manager today, but have yet to contact the other prominent name who also fits that description.

John Farrell, fired two weeks ago by the Red Sox, formally met today with general manager Mike Rizzo and members of the Nationals ownership group, a source familiar with the process confirmed. Farrell becomes the third known candidate for the job, along with Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez (who interviewed Thursday and is considered among the leading choices) and Mets hitting coach Kevin Long (who was asked to interview earlier this week).

The highest-profile potential candidate, former Yankees manager Joe Girardi, had not yet been contacted by the Nationals as of this morning, a source said. Given the fact Girardi only became available Thursday after the Yankees elected not to retain him, it's still early in that process and there's still ample time for the Nats to seek an interview if desired.

Girardi, who won the 2009 World Series, three division titles and owns a 28-24 career postseason managerial record, was an unexpected addition to the pool of potential candidates. The Nationals have long been intrigued by the 53-year-old former catcher, having sought him out for their manager's job way back in October 2006. Girardi, who had just been fired by the Marlins despite winning the National League Manager of the Year award, decided to sit out a year and then took over in New York in 2008 following Joe Torre's departure.

Girardi likely carries the heftiest price tag of any of the possible candidates, having just completed a four-year, $16 million contract with the Yankees. He also may not fit the exact description of the Nationals' preferred manager, given his more traditional style and reported friction with some front office members and some players.

Farrell also doesn't figure to come cheap, given his track record. The 55-year-old former pitcher has seven seasons of managerial experience with the Blue Jays and Red Sox, having guided Boston to the 2013 World Series title, two other division titles and a 12-11 overall postseason record.

The Red Sox had already picked up Farrell's contract option for 2018 but chose to fire him after a first-round loss to the Astros earlier this month. Despite his team's successes over the years, he also presided over last-place finishes in 2014 and 2015 and dealt with occasional clubhouse discord.

Farrell reportedly has already interviewed with the Phillies for their vacant position.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and FOX Sports was first to report Farrell's interview with the Nationals.