Saints manager Toby Gardenhire’s next move could be following his father into the big leagues

The St. Paul Saints’ third season as the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate is in the books under the leadership of manager Toby Gardenhire, who has promoted a winning culture while staying focused on the primary task of preparing the Twins’ top prospects for the big leagues.

The Saints have a combined record of 225-202 over the past three seasons, including a high-water mark of 84-64 this season. Being the one who makes it all go, Gardenhire has drawn praise from throughout the organization for the job he has done.

Combine all that with the fact that he has been tutored on the craft of managing by his father, Ron Gardenhire, who won 1,200 games over 16 seasons as a major-league manager, including 13 with the Twins, and it’s not a reach to suggest that Gardenhire could emerge as a candidate for any major-league jobs that open during the offseason.

For his part, Gardenhire said he would welcome the chance to return the Saints’ dugout next season, to continue working in what is basically his hometown and in the only organization he has ever known.

But if someone comes calling, he’s going to answer the phone.

Gardenhire has one year remaining on his contract, so if another team did reach out, it would have to get the Twins’ consent to talk to him. It’s rare that an organization would stand in the way of one of its employees getting such an opportunity.

“The Twins have been great that way,” Gardenhire said. “They’ve always said that if anybody ever called, they would let me know.”

Gardenhire, who turned 41 on Sept. 11, has talked often about his aspirations for becoming a big-league manager, but said there is no sense at the moment that the internal clock is ticking.

“I wouldn’t say that I’m hoping for interviews,” he said. “I feel very lucky to have the job that I have, so if something happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’ve moved up through the organization fast as it is. So I’m happy where I’m at.”

Gardenhire said he does not have an agent, and pointed out that his dad did not have one until well into his managerial career.

“If it ever got to the point where I felt I needed an agent to do any negotiating, I could probably get one,” he said, “but I’m not too worried about it right now.”

Gardenhire has had no shortage of supporters in the Saints clubhouse. Pitcher Louie Varland said earlier in the season that he would “go to war with Toby anywhere, any day.”

Relief pitcher Austin Schulfer believes it’s not a question of whether Gardenhire will get a shot at managing in the big leagues, but when. And he expects Gardenhire to excel in the role.

“Toby will give you everything you need,” Schulfer said. “When things are going well, he’s your biggest fan. When things are going bad. he’s your biggest supporter. As a player, all you can ask for is a manager who cares about you and will be honest with you.

“I’ve had good managers coming up through the Twins organization, but Toby definitely ranks up there. He’s someone you can trust. Whether you play a little bit or play a lot, you matter to him.”

If no offers come his way this offseason, one possible scenario could have Gardenhire finishing out his contract next season and then hitting the open market. But he believes it is unlikely that things will play out that way.

“I’ve been a Twin since I was drafted by the Twins in 2005,” Gardenhire said. “My dad’s been with the Twins since 1987, or something like that. So I’m pretty loyal when it comes to that stuff.”