A's manager Bob Melvin was named one of three finalists for the American League Manager of the Year Award on Monday, a nod to his illustrious work with a squad that surprised all.
Melvin, who was recently gifted a contract extension that will keep him in Oakland through at least 2021, is eyeing his third such award from the Baseball Writers' Association of America, having earned it in 2012 (Oakland) and '07 (Arizona).
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Melvin is once again considered the frontrunner for the prestigious honor, which will be presented on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Boston's Alex Cora and Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash are the other finalists.
• Complete list of 2018 BBWAA Award finalists
The longtime skipper was already named the Sporting News' AL Manager of the Year last month, after guiding the A's to 97 wins in 2018, marking a 22-win improvement from '17 despite a rash of rotation injuries. They made the playoffs -- losing to the Yankees in the AL Wild Card Game -- despite entering the season with baseball's lowest payroll.

Melvin is one of just six managers to win the award in both leagues and could become the eighth to earn the honor three or more times and join elite company that includes Dusty Baker, Bobby Cox, Tony La Russa, Jim Leyland, Joe Maddon, Lou Piniella and Buck Showalter.