Astros Coach Interviews For Marlins Manager Job

It might be the heat of a playoff series for the Houston Astros, but bench coach Joe Espada is still taking a little time off today to interview for a new job.

The 47-year-old is meeting with the Miami Marlins today about their managerial vacancy. The Marlins have some familiarity with Espada, as he was their third base coach from 2010-2013 and served as a coach in their minor league system. 

Espada has been a prime candidate on the market for several managerial positions currently open. The Marlins' job was vacated at the end of the season last week when Don Mattingly stepped down after seven years. 

The Marlins went 69-93 this season, and aside from a little blip (31-29) in the shortened 2020 season, never finished above .500 in Mattingly's run. 

Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol, who's also a candidate for his own team's open manager's spot, previously interviewed for the Marlins job on Tuesday. 

The job is thought to offer some promise, however, as the Marlins have one of the best young starting staffs in all of baseball, featuring Cy Young candidate Sandy Alcantara along with Pablo Lopez, Jesus Luzardo and Edward Cabrera. 

Photo: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports