Astros bench coach Joe Espada top contender for manager of SF Giants

The Astros’ bench coach Joe Espada is reportedly the frontrunning candidate to take over as the manager for the San Francisco Giants.

The managerial position for the San Francisco team has apparently been whittled down to three finalists, the recently fired manager for the Phillies Gabe Kapler, Tampa Bays bench coach Matt Quatraro, and Astros bench coach Joe Espada. According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, Espada is the leading candidate.

"“The next decision is manager, and that’s coming this week. Giants have been remarkably quiet, but some people familiar with search believe Joe Espada is the frontrunner. He was at Oracle Park a few days ago meeting with front office.” via Pavlovic’s Twitter account"

Joe Espada has been highly sought after this offseason. Not only is he up for the position with the Giants, he nearly won the managerial position for the Cubs and was considered by the Pirates and the Angels to run their ballclubs.

What may sway things in his favor, is the fact that San Francisco’s brand-new general manager is Scott Harris. Harris was an executive for the Chicago Cubs and was in on the interview process when Espada was considered one of their finalists.

Espada was recently spotted in the Bay Area meeting with executives of the Giants. This would be his third visit with San Francisco after his second interview, which took place on October 27th. Those that are familiar with the process feel this may be the third and final interview before an announcement is made.

The 44-year-old was hired as Houston’s bench coach after the 2017 season to replace Alex Cora, who left to manage the Boston Redsox. Prior to Espada’s tenure with the Astros, he spent four years as the Marlins third base coach and then with the New York Yankees in various positions, including an assistant to GM Brian Cashman.