Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reports that the Blue Jays are expected to name Charlie Montoyo the new manager. Previous manager John Gibbons was let go near the end of the regular season.
Montoyo, 53, is quite a relatively experienced hire, particularly when compared to the current era in which teams are hiring managers with very little prior experience. Montoyo managed the Durham Bulls for eight years, then served as the Rays’ third base and bench coach since 2015.
The Blue Jays went to the ALCS in back-to-back years in 2015-16, but won only 76 and 73 games in the last two seasons. The hope is that Montoyo is able to help spur a turnaround after a rebuilding effort.
New Reds manager David Bell, Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde, and Astros bench coach Joe Espada were finalists for the Jays’ open manager position before they ultimately decided on Montoya.
