4 Possible Replacements for Cubs After Parting Ways With Joe Maddon
By Kevin Aquino
Cubs general manager Joe Maddon has officially been ousted, and since Chicago is out of the playoffs this season, they can take their time in weighing their options for Maddon's successor.
Who's on the open market to replace the two-time World Series champion and elevate the Cubs back to their championship level of play from 2016?
4. Mark Loretta
Hey Cubs, why not keep some continuity and just promote your current bench coach? Loretta has already built relationships with the Cubs players and organization, and being a part of the team since January means he’s had enough time to ingratiate himself in the team’s culture. Loretta may not be the most experienced, but he’s still a safe pick, given his current position.
3. Carlos Beltran
It could be time for the Yankees' secret weapon to get a shot at a managerial gig. Beltran, who narrowly missed out on New York's gig after the 2017 season, has been credited for many of the Yanks' smartest in-game adjustments this season. He'd be a complete change of pace from Maddon's style of leadership, and he'll certainly get a chance somewhere this offseason.
2. Joe Girardi
The 2006 NL Manager of the Year is available after the Yankees opted for Aaron Boone instead of Girardi in 2017. The 54-year-old has a history with the Cubs, too, having two separate stints with the franchise (1989-1992, 2000-2002). Girardi's last appearance as an MLB manager was when New York fell short to Houston in the 2017 ALCS. He’s got the titles and the resume to fit into what the Cubs are trying to recapture. But can they steal him from the New York Mets?
1. David Ross
Ross retired from the MLB following Chicago's 2016 World Series win, and served as a special assistant to baseball operations for the Cubs during the 2017 season. If Chicago wants to recapture the magic of 2016, they should consider someone who played on that team. If Ross isn’t going to take a potential dance career too seriously, he may be the perfect choice to return to his old team’s dugout.