Headlines

  • Rockies Sign Charlie Blackmon To One-Year Extension
  • Reds Sign Nick Krall To Extension, Promote Him To President Of Baseball Operations
  • Giants Fire Gabe Kapler
  • Orioles Agree To 30-Year Lease At Camden Yards
  • Padres Prefer To Retain A.J. Preller, Bob Melvin In 2024
  • Brooks Robinson Passes Away
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Marlins Interview Joe Espada, Pedro Grifol For Manager

By Simon Hampton | October 12, 2022 at 9:53am CDT

The Marlins will interview Astros bench coach Joe Espada for their vacant manager position today, Jon Heyman of the New York Post tweets. He’s the second known candidate to interview, after The Athletic’s Jim Bowden tweeted that Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol had also interviewed with the Marlins.

Espada, 47, was drafted in the second round of the 1996 draft by the Athletics and spent nine seasons in the minors. He made it as high as Triple-A but never got received a call up to the major leagues. After retiring in 2007, he quickly turned to coaching and held coaching and front office positions with the Marlins and Yankees before being named Astros bench coach in 2017.

Espada is a well respected member of the Astros coaching staff and has long been considered a manager in waiting. He’s already been interviewed by numerous major league teams and was a finalist for the recent Mets and Giants vacancies.

He’ll join Grifol as the only other known candidate to have an interview. It had already been reported that his current employers, the Royals, as well as the White Sox have interest in him, but the Marlins are the first known team to have given him an interview. Grifol, 53 next month, has followed a similar career trajectory to Espada. He spent nine seasons in the Mets and Twins minor leagues systems without reaching the majors, but has found success as a coach. He’s been with the Royals since 2013 but, like Espada, has been a candidate for a number of vacant managerial posts, including the recent Tigers and Orioles positions.

The Marlins are seeking a new manager after mutually agreeing to part with Don Mattingly at the end of the 2022 season. Mattingly led the team for seven seasons, but their 31-29 finish in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season was the only time they had a winning record during his tenure.

Share 0 Retweet 14 Send via email0

Houston Astros Kansas City Royals Miami Marlins Joe Espada Pedro Grifol

Rays Notes: Offense, Choi, Arozarena, Kiermaier, Zunino
Main
Twins Outright Devin Smeltzer, Jhon Romero
View Comments (37)

Comments

  1. RunDMC

    12 months ago

    I know guy wants the job, but taking an interview during a playoff series? MIA couldn’t wait until the playoffs were over? Not everyone gets October off…

    3
    Reply
    • jjd002

      12 months ago

      What’s the issue? There is a day off today. A few hours at some point today isn’t that big of a deal. Only thing that would stink is if Dusty retires and Espada takes the Miami job. But the guy is ready to lead a team. Hopefully he gets his chance soon.

      5
      Reply
      • hyraxwithaflamethrower

        12 months ago

        I don’t have a problem with an interview on an off-day. You can make it work. And Espada deserves consideration for what he’s helped them do. He’ll be a big-league manager next year, whether with the Marlins, White Sox, Astros, or someone else.

        1
        Reply
      • RunDMC

        12 months ago

        I forgot AL gets a day off after a G1 – very odd scheduling.

        1
        Reply
    • Rbase

      12 months ago

      Why would they have to wait? It’s not like this affects the playoff teams or news in any way?

      Reply
      • RunDMC

        12 months ago

        Bench coach of a contending team in the middle of a series, in which today they would traditionally have a game. Typically, teams wait until after the WS to start the process, but things change. Also thought you had to have the other teams’ permission to interview, but maybe that’s a courtesy.

        Typically, I ask suitors to court my wife after the WS, but that’s me.

        3
        Reply
        • Rbase

          12 months ago

          oh crap i overlooked the fact that he’s an astros coach. You’re 10000% correct in that case, let him focus on his own team first

          1
          Reply
    • Rsox

      12 months ago

      In todays world Espada can interview with the Marlins from the Astros bench via zoom in the middle of a game if need be. Its not like he has to hop on a plane from Seattle to Miami or something ridiculous far like that.

      I like Espada for the job because i wonder even if Dusty were to retire if the Astros would give him the job or would he be passed over for another veteran like when Hinch was fired

      Reply
  2. denny816

    12 months ago

    Two guys who should be on the White Sox list who probably either get hired before or don’t even get an interview on the South Side.

    Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      12 months ago

      Not so high on Grifol. Would be really happy with Quataro or Espada, if we’re talking bench coaches with no prior experience at the top job. For guys with said experience, Ron Washington is supposed to be a great teacher of fundamentals and Fredi Gonzalez has led teams with lesser talent to winning records, as well as being part of this year’s surprising Orioles team. I’d be good with any of those four. Bochy, too, if he can remain healthy, though that’s a big question mark.

      Reply
      • frontdeskmike

        12 months ago

        “Ah. First base isn’t so hard. Tell him, Ron.”
        “First base is incredibly hard.”

        4
        Reply
      • jagonza

        12 months ago

        Fredi can’t go home again to Miami. We loved him down here , he does deserve another shot somewhere

        Reply
    • RyanD44

      12 months ago

      White Sox should hire Ron Washington. They need fundamentals and he’s the king of fundamentals.

      Reply
      • ASapsFables

        12 months ago

        REPORT: WHITE SOX REACH OUT TO RON WASHINGTON FOR MANAGER JOB

        soxon35th.com/report-confirms-white-sox-reach-out-…

        1
        Reply
    • Unclenolanrules

      12 months ago

      I heard Tony La Russa was going to be available.

      Reply
    • ASapsFables

      12 months ago

      According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Astros bench coach Joe Espada will be interviewing for the White Sox’s managerial opening today. He also has an interview scheduled with the Marlins in what will be a busy day for Espada.

      soxon35th.com/report-astros-joe-espada-to-intervie…

      Reply
  3. Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman

    12 months ago

    What’s Ozzie Guillen up to these days?

    4
    Reply
    • .

      12 months ago

      Halo’s could use an @ss kicker like Ozzie as their skip.

      3
      Reply
      • hyraxwithaflamethrower

        12 months ago

        You’d get tired of him. When the team’s winning, he’s amazing. When they’re losing, he throws his players under the bus to the media. He is a great in-game manager, though. Always tried to pull his starters when the worst they could get was a ND. Managed the ‘pen pretty well, too.

        1
        Reply
        • keysox

          12 months ago

          Ozzie will get something.
          No to White Sox
          Sox first need to fire Hahn and Williams

          1
          Reply
  4. Latino Heat

    12 months ago

    With this being Dusty’s last year on his contact I was hoping Espada would be his replacement

    2
    Reply
    • WampumWalloper

      12 months ago

      If Dusty is retiring and if the Astros have intentions of offering Espada the job and Espada wants the Astros job, all the more reason to interview with the Marlins. Makes negotiating a better package with the Astros easier if they know you have another offer

      Reply
    • LordD99

      12 months ago

      It’s surprising the level of mystery and uncertainty that exists with the Astros key management positions, meaning Click and Baker. The Astros may win the World Series, yet there’s still a small chance Click, Baker and Espada are all gone because of tension between Crane and Click. BTW The owner loses these!

      2
      Reply
      • LordD99

        12 months ago

        The owner *never* loses these.

        Reply
      • Latino Heat

        12 months ago

        If it comes down to it I really hope they keep Click. After Luhnow was forced out Click was the best thing the Astros could’ve hoped for

        1
        Reply
        • LordD99

          12 months ago

          If the tension between Crane and Click is limited to Baker, then it seems resolvable. Espada might represent the solution that works for both. I always believe the GM or PoBO should pick the manager, but I also understand why Crane put Dusty in the position. That’s why it’s interesting to watch how it concludes.

          1
          Reply
  5. Mikenmn

    12 months ago

    It’s going to be less about the Manager than the approach by the Front Office. There’s definitely some talent, but the offense….Just one player with enough PA to qualify for the batting title (Rojas, OPS+72) and not a single one with more that 15 HR.

    Reply
  6. Slider_withcheese

    12 months ago

    There’s a reason Ozzie Guillen hasn’t been a manager in 12 years.

    1
    Reply
  7. frankpr21

    12 months ago

    Non of them will be selected, the # 1 candidate is and the selected one is,
    Matthew John Quatraro . Simple is the most prepared and relevant in terms of knowing how to be a successful team and franchise with limited resources. He has a know how in many ways to use analytics and to max the talents and virtues of players skills. Oh! simple advice do not compromise your pitching unless overwhelm. I will consider trading only Pablo Lopez, Stalling, Garrett, Neidert and Hernanadez. Do not touch any of the main pitching prospects in the minors, that is a special commodity. Go invest some cash get either, Abreu number 1 choice or Bell and get Correa, Pham and Bellinger on the cheap because he can play center field.. It will be a ruinously idea to repeat the same mistakes of the past. Let me refresh your minds, giving away Castillo, Yelich Realmuto, Naylor… and nothing to show for. Thanks, it does not required a rocket science to put together a very competitive team with the special pitching talent that the Marlins have.

    Reply
    • Habeto

      12 months ago

      I think the FO will deal Lopez, or Garrett instead, but not both. They won’t get that much for all the others.
      My favourites are Fredi González, Quatraro and Espada in that order. My only wish is someone who has evolved with the game, uses analytics, be creative, resourceful. The Marlins are a cheap ass team and that won’t change anytime soon, so anyone coming should work with what they have. One half is competitive (pitching), so half way through.

      Reply
      • MarlinsFanBase

        12 months ago

        I don’t want Fredi Gonzalez back. He soured on a lot of people because of his ridiculous obsession with Renyel Pinto back then. Both were gone on the same day…hint hint.

        I’m ok with a new guy breaking in.

        As for trades, it’s most likely that Lopez will be the traded pitcher because of the expendable ones, he’d get the most in return in a much needed bat. I can see him moving for something like to the Yankees for a revisit of the package that involved Gleyber Torres or to Tornoto for one of their bats. After that, it could be a bidding war for a SP which would benefit the Marlins in the Pablo negotiations. But he’s the guy that I feel is most likely moved because Alcantara is obviously untouchable, and he’ll most likely be followed by a rotation of Edward Cabrera, Jesus Luzardo, Trevor Rogers, and Braxton Garrett – with Sixto Sanchez as a dark horse…and Elieser Hernandez as an emergency option.

        2
        Reply
  8. stroh

    12 months ago

    Espada probably would be a good hire. But if the Astros thought so highly of him, they would lock him up for next year but not yet name him as manager pending what they do with Dusty. On the other hand, the Astros probably want to keep their options open with Espada being one of them, but not avoiding making any commitments at this time. He’s well liked by the Astros players and the media that covers the team, and well liked by Dusty.

    1
    Reply
  9. stretch123

    12 months ago

    Matt Quatraro would be the best choice imo. If not I say Pedro Grifol.

    Reply
  10. detroitrocks69

    12 months ago

    Great hire

    Reply
  11. Edp007

    12 months ago

    Looks like they want a no name , no experience,minimum salary type of manager to hold the spot whilst they lose a 100 games a year or two or three

    1
    Reply
  12. dshires4

    12 months ago

    Wasn’t it common courtesy to not interview members of a club during an active playoff series? I’m not saying I have a problem with it, but I very much remember seeing clubs want to interview Assistant GM X, or Bench Coach Y, but needed to wait until the playoffs were over.

    Reply
  13. Dumpster Divin Theo

    12 months ago

    Grifol. Baseball guy or Harry Potter character?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Rockies Sign Charlie Blackmon To One-Year Extension

    Reds Sign Nick Krall To Extension, Promote Him To President Of Baseball Operations

    Giants Fire Gabe Kapler

    Orioles Agree To 30-Year Lease At Camden Yards

    Padres Prefer To Retain A.J. Preller, Bob Melvin In 2024

    Brooks Robinson Passes Away

    Reds’ Matt McLain Shut Down For Remainder Of 2023 Season

    Padres Plan To Reduce Payroll To Around $200MM; Front Office Changes Possible

    Marlins Place Eury Perez On 15-Day Injured List, Select Jeff Lindgren

    Sandy Alcantara Shut Down For Rest Of 2023 Season

    Brandon Lowe To Miss 4-6 Weeks With Kneecap Fracture

    Rays Promote Junior Caminero

    Sean Doolittle Announces Retirement

    Tigers Name Jeff Greenberg General Manager

    Qualifying Offer Value To Land Around $20.5MM

    Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Elbow Surgery

    Marlins Claim Matt Moore From Guardians

    Rays To Announce New Stadium Deal

    Reds Designate Hunter Renfroe For Assignment

    Shohei Ohtani Out For Season With Oblique Strain

    Recent

    Rockies Sign Charlie Blackmon To One-Year Extension

    Reds Sign Nick Krall To Extension, Promote Him To President Of Baseball Operations

    Zaidi: Giants Hopeful Of New Managerial Hire By Start Of Free Agency

    Giants Fire Gabe Kapler

    D-Backs Release Zach Davies

    Rangers Place Jon Gray On Injured List

    Brewers Select Caleb Boushley, DFA Julio Teheran Amid Flurry Of Roster Moves

    Tigers To Hire Miguel Cabrera As Special Assistant Following 2023 Season

    Nationals Activate Tanner Rainey From 60-Day IL

    Offseason Chat Transcript: St. Louis Cardinals

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Shohei Ohtani Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version