5 potential candidates to replace Joe Maddon as Cubs manager
By Sean Sears
2. Joe Espada
A career Minor-Leaguer, Joe Espada spent 10 seasons never making it to the big leagues but has spent time as a scout for the Yankees and made his way through for the Marlins coaching system to eventually become their third base coach from 2006-13. But since becoming the Houston Astros bench coach in 2017, Espada has been one of the hottest managerial candidates.
Despite reportedly interviewing with six teams last year, Espada remained the bench coach for the Astros in 2019. But with Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow coming out and saying publicly they won’t interfere with any teams wanting to hire Espada, it seems like the Houston bench coach will likely get a shot this offseason.
Houston’s club sustained success and its ability to find pitchers out of nowhere is something the Cubs thought they’d be much better at, so adding Espada could help the Cubs mold their club after the success the Astros have found recently. Espada is also in charge of the Astros’ infield positioning, an important job for a team that shifts more than any other club right now.
ESPN’s Buster Olney reported earlier this week that the Mets would consider Espada if they do part ways with current first-year manager Mickey Callaway, so the Cubs won’t be the only ones interested.