The San Diego Padres announced the firing of manager Andy Green on Saturday after he posted a 274-366 record with no playoff appearances across four years.

"I want to thank Andy for his tireless work and dedication to the Padres over the last four seasons," general manager A.J. Preller said. "This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we felt was necessary at this time to take our organization to the next level and expedite the process of bringing a championship to San Diego. Our search for a new manager will begin immediately."

Green was hired by the Padres in October 2015 after the team fired longtime manager Bud Black during the 2015 season.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, Moises Alou is viewed as a "strong candidate" to replace Green if he is interested in the job. 

The former MLB infielder inherited a roster in the midst of a rebuild. San Diego was expected to take a step forward in 2019 given the development of its top prospects, led by Fernando Tatis Jr., and the high-profile signings of first baseman Eric Hosmer and third baseman Manny Machado over the past two years.

Alas, the Friars recently clinched their ninth consecutive losing season. They haven't qualified for the postseason since 2006 and last won a playoff series in 1998.

"Andy's class, dignity and leadership through a difficult developmental period for our team should be applauded," executive chairman Ron Fowler and general partner Peter Seidler said in a joint statement. "On behalf of the entire Padres organization, we wish Andy and the Green family the best."

Green worked as the Arizona Diamondbacks third base coach in 2015. His five-year playing career included stops with the D-Backs, New York Mets and Japan's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

Meanwhile, the Padres' managerial job should remain coveted despite the team's recent woes. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter ranked the club's farm system as the best in baseball following the 2019 MLB draft.

Pair that with an ownership group that's showcased a willingness to make major splashes in free agency, and San Diego should have a good chance to turn a corner in the coming years.