For the first time in decades, John Gibbons won’t be heading to spring training when the season gets started later this month. Though he spoke to other teams about potential jobs, the longtime Toronto Blue Jays manager decided against rushing into a new role for 2019.
“I’m going to take the year off,” Gibbons told Jeff Blair on Sportsnet 590 The FAN Monday. “To be honest with you I could use that. I think it’ll be a chance to re-energize.
“I’d love to stay in (the game). I’d love to manage again. If that happens, great. If not, I want to do something because I still think I have something to offer.”
The Blue Jays parted ways with Gibbons after the 2018 season, his 11th as Toronto’s manager. Because Gibbons’ contract ran through 2019, the Blue Jays will still be paying him this season.
After a year off, the 56-year-old expects to return to baseball, but in the meantime he’s ready for the change of pace.
“I’m actually looking forward to a little break,” Gibbons said.
Gibbons and Blair also touched on Roy Halladay, Buck Showalter, Josh Donaldson, MLB free agency and analytics in the course of their hour-long conversation on the Jeff Blair Show.
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