Two Candidates Get Second Interviews For Marlins Manager Vacancy

The Miami Marlins are focusing in on some finalists in their managerial search, as they've granted two coaches a second interview.

Marlins insider Craig Mish reports that Houston Astros' bench coach Joe Espada and Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro will both get a second run through with Marlins GM Kim Ng and her front office crew. 

47-year-old Espada is a familiar face for Marlins' brass, as he held coaching positions in the Marlins organization from 2006 to 2013, from Low-A all the way up to third base coach at the big league level. 

Espada has interviewed for manager's jobs in the majors on seven occasions before only to fall short with the Marlins in 2011, the Texas Rangers in 2018, the Astros, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants in 2019 and finally the New York Mets in 2021. 

For his sake, Espada is hoping it'll be 8th time lucky.

Quatraro has been a key member of Kevin Cash's staff with the Rays. He's interviewed for two managerial jobs before, with the Oakland Athletics and the Mets in 2021. He's been a coach and instructor in several organizations over the past 18 years.

Don Mattingly stepped down as Marlins Manager after seven years at the end of his season.

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports