Oakland A’s have officially interviewed Joe Espada

The Oakland A’s were expected to focus on their managerial search now that the lockout has begun. Six candidates were known to be on their radar, none of which have ever managed in the majors previously. As the A’s may be getting rid of their core, the decision to target neophyte managers is an interesting one.

According to Jon Heyman, the A’s have begun the interview process. Joe Espada, the Astros bench coach, has interviewed for the position.

Oakland A’s begin managerial interviews with Joe Espada

The A’s are not the only team interested in the Astros’ bench coach. The Mets also have Espada on their list of managerial candidates, although he is not considered to be one of the favorites for the job.

Espada actually began his baseball journey in the A’s organization. He was the 45th overall selection in the 1996 MLB Draft, remaining with the A’s through the 2000 season. Afterwards, he spent time in the Marlins, Rockies, Royals, Cardinals, Rangers, and Rays organizations, reaching Triple-A but never finding his way to the majors as a player.

His major league coaching career began in 2010 when he was named as the Marlins’ third base coach. He remained there through 2013 when he joined the Yankees front office, ultimately returning to coaching in 2015. The Astros then hired Espada as their bench coach after the 2017 season.

While Espada has long been viewed as a manager of the future, he has yet to get his chance. He had interviewed for managerial positions with the Rangers and Cubs before, but had been passed over. Maybe the A’s will be the team to give him a chance.

The Oakland A’s have begun interviewing candidates for their managerial opening. Joe Espada has become the first person to officially interview for the job.