Blue Jays Managerial Rumours – Oct. 20, 2018

An update on the managerial search of the Toronto Blue Jays, from October 20th, 2018.

Espada Out of Twins’ Running

According to Jon Heyman of Fancred, Astros bench coach Joe Espada is “believed out” in the race for the managerial position of the Minnesota Twins. Espada has long been connected to the Jays, and this could be a big detail in deciding where he wants to go.

Additionally, Espada has been connected to the Angels and Rangers. He interviewed for both jobs earlier last week. If true, Espada could quickly move to be the favourite for the Jays, though there is a clearly a demand for his services.

David Bell Favourite for Reds’ Job

David Bell, Giants VP of player development, is apparently a frontrunner for the Cincinnati Reds managerial position, report Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi. Bell interviewed for the Jays job and has been mentioned numerous times in other managerial races as well.

Baldelli Impressed Reds As Well

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Another potential candidate to be the next Blue Jays manager, Rocco Baldelli, impressed the Reds during his interview process, per Jerry Crasnick. Baldelli has also reportedly interviewed with the Twins and Rangers, with Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times noting that he’s a “hot name” in the search for new managers.

Hyde Linked to Twins

Finally, Brandon Hyde, Cubs bench coach, has been linked to the Twins in their search, reports Jon Morosi. Hyde has reportedly interviewed for the Los Angeles Angels vacancy as well. Hyde, 45, previously served as a minor league manager in the Marlins organization for five years.

In summary, these little bits of news and rumours can help us effectively narrow down the astute possibility of each of these candidates becoming the next Blue Jays manager. If these notes are of any indication, Bell and Baldelli won’t last long, as they’ll likely be scooped up by two of the aforementioned teams that have interviewed them.

Espada, on the other hand, is no longer speculatively linked to the Twins, making it even more possible that he becomes the next Blue Jays skipper. Hyde, continuously linked to the Jays, could be a dark horse.