Managerial shortlist: Raul Ibanez on final shortlist to manage Tamba Bay Rays

Ibanez, Cash and Wakamatsu made it through to the final group of candidates, which was cut from 10 to three on Friday as the Rays look to fill the void left by Maddon, who sensationally left for MLB rivals the Chicago Cubs.

Dave Martinez, Ron Wotus, Barry Larkin, Doug Glanville, Charlie Montoyo, Manny Acta and Craig Counsell were overlooked.

The final interviews will be conducted in the week of December 1.

"We were very impressed by the 10 finalists we interviewed, and could have envisioned any of them managing our club," Rays president Matt Silverman said in a statement.

"The decision on Dave Martinez [most recently the Rays' bench coach] was especially difficult. He's played a key role in our organization's evolution, and he's done all he can to put himself in position to be a manager.

"In the end, we determined that our clubhouse would best benefit from a new voice that will add to our already strong and cohesive culture.

"We're excited to get to know our three remaining finalists better as we look to name our next manager in the coming weeks."

Free agent Ibanez, 42, helped the Kansas City Royals to the American League pennant last season as a first baseman, while Wakamatsu, 51, completed his first year as a bench coach for the franchise.

Cash, 36, has spent the past two seasons as a bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians.