Blue Jays: Joe Espada reportedly in Toronto for an interview

Joe Espada, Astros bench coach and candidate for the Blue Jays managerial position, is reportedly in Toronto for an in-person interview.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, Joe Espada, who has for the last week been heavily connected to the Blue Jays in their search for a manager, is in Toronto being interviewed in person.

Davidi notes that Espada, along with Tampa Bay Rays major league field coordinator Rocco Baldelli and Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde, remains strong in the running for the position, which the Jays reportedly hope to have filled by the end of the month of October.

On paper, Espada represents a formidable option to succeed John Gibbons as the next manager, as my colleague Victor Riancho tremendously described in his recent column on the subject.

More from Toronto Blue Jays Rumors

• Kyle Schwarber an ideal fit for the Blue Jays lineup
• Blue Jays: Could a 12-year old be the franchise’s future star shortstop?
• Blue Jays: Potential replacements for Marcus Semien
• Blue Jays: Time for an Old-Fashioned MLB Player for Player Trade?
• Are The Blue Jays Looking To Add Another Power Bat?

Recently, two other teams looking for a manager, the Los Angeles Angels and the Cincinnati Reds, filled their positions with Brad Ausmus and David Bell, respectively. Bell was strongly linked to the Blue Jays prior to his appointment but was also involved in many other teams’ hunts as well.

Espada now represents perhaps the most likely choice, with this latest rumour only reinforcing his strong candidacy. He’s an experienced baseball mind who comes from a good organization and certainly has the expertise required to successfully manage a baseball team. He previously served as the New York Yankees’ third base coach during the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Regardless of just how much the in-person interview actually means, it’ll be interesting to see how the story develops. Espada could certainly be named the new manager in a matter of days, especially since his team has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Keep it locked on Jays Journal for all the latest Blue Jays managerial news and rumours as the hunt for the next skipper intensifies.