Redmond is Marlins’ choice to be manager.

The Marlins’ search for a new manager ended where it started, with the hiring of Mike Redmond.

Redmond, who agreed to a three-year contract, will be introduced at a news conference on Friday at Marlins Park, the team said in its announcement Thursday.

The 41-year-old former big league catcher was the first to interview for the position that was vacated when Ozzie Guillen was dismissed on Oct. 23. Redmond sat down with Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and members of the front office on Oct. 24 in New York.

A catcher with the Marlins from 1998-2004, Redmond was Ivan Rodriguez’s backup on the ’03 World Series championship team.

In a 13-year playing career, Redmond was a .287 career hitter with 13 home runs and 243 RBIs. Redmond also played from 2005-09 with the Twins. His playing career ended in 2010 after he appeared in 22 games with the Indians.

From the beginning, Redmond was considered a strong front-runner. Team officials were discussing him as a possibility in September.

Redmond will make the leap from managing Toronto’s Class A Dunedin squad to the big leagues. He compiled a 155-115 record (.574) in two seasons as a Minor League manager. Redmond was the Midwest League Manager of the Year in 2011. This year, he managed Dunedin to a 78-55 record and a berth in the Florida State League playoffs, where the Blue Jays lost in the first round to eventual-champion Lakeland.

Although Redmond doesn’t have any prior big league coaching experience, he has been considered managerial material since his playing days.

The Marlins are looking for a fresh start, and Redmond offers a new perspective. They are coming off a disappointing 69-93 last-place finish in their first season as the Miami Marlins.