Chicago White Sox reportedly set to hire Joe Espada as new manager

The Chicago White Sox may have found their next manager. It is just a matter of waiting for him to become available.

According to a report from Mike Rodriguez of Univision, the White Sox are set to name Astros bench coach Joe Espada as their new manager. They just need to wait for Houston’s run through the postseason to come to an end before they can make the hiring official.

Chicago White Sox finally give Joe Espada a chance

It feels as though Espada has been a managerial candidate forever. He has been viewed as a manager in waiting for years, getting plenty of attention in the interview process. However, he was unable to get that elusive contract as teams went in different directions.

That does not change Espada’s qualifications for the role. A ten year minor league veteran, he has worked through the coaching ranks, spending time with the Marlins and Yankees before joining the Astros as their bench coach. His place beside the likes of Dusty Baker and A.J. Hinch shows how valued his knowledge of the game is by other respected managers.

Espada is also considered to be an excellent communicator, something that is vitally needed by the White Sox. They never played up to their potential in 2022, a team that appeared to be far too tight and unable to be themselves. It will now be on Espada to change that, to help mend the culture in the clubhouse and get the team to perform up to their capabilities.

He is also entering a great deal of pressure. The White Sox were expected to run away with the division before their unforeseen failures this season. Those same expectations will be in place in 2023 as well although there should be more competition. It will be up to Espada to bring the White Sox back to the postseason.

Joe Espada is finally getting his chance. According to reports, he is set to be named the Chicago White Sox next manager when the Astros playoff run ends.