Espada, Kapler next up as Cubs continue search for new manager
It's four down and apparently two to go as the Cubs continue their search to replace departed manager Joe Maddon.
According to MLB.com, Astros bench coach Joe Espada interviewed with the Cubs on Monday.
Houston is playing in the American League championship series against the Yankees and Monday was a day off. The ALCS resumes Tuesday in New York.
Gabe Kapler is also on the Cubs' interview list this week.
Two weeks ago, the Cubs met with bench coach Mark Loretta. Last week, they interviewed Joe Girardi for eight hours at Wrigley Field Field and also talked with former catcher David Ross and first-base coach Will Venable.
Espada is an intriguing candidate.
For the past two seasons, the 44-year-old Espada has been the Astros' bench coach. He replaced Alex Cora, who went on to manage Boston and won the World Series in his first year (2018) in the Red Sox's dugout.
Espada also was a minor league coach and third base coach for the Marlins, he spent one year as a special assistant to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and was New York's third base and infield coach for three seasons.
Espada is the brother-in-law of current Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, who coached with the Cubs from 2014 to 2018.
Kapler is available after being fired by the Phillies last week. He was 161-163 in two seasons as manager.
Expected to be a playoff team this year after adding Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia finished third in the NL East at 81-81.
Carlos Beltran was on the Cubs' interview list but he is reportedly only interested in the Mets' managerial job.
"I feel that right now, living in New York, it's the right fit for me," Beltran said.
Girardi looks to be in the highest demand, with the Mets and Phillies in strong pursuit.
After a 15-year playing career with the Cubs, Yankees, Rockies and Cardinals, Girardi managed the Marlins in 2006 and moved to the Yankees' dugout in 2008.
In 10 seasons with New York, Girardi was 910-710 and won the World Series in 2009, one of his six trips to the postseason.