When Chicago Cubs VP of Scouting and Player Development Jason McLeod turned down the San Diego Padres’ request to interview for their open GM position, it was cause for celebration. When he framed that decision in the context of what he believes is coming for the Cubs, it was cause for a squeal-fest.
And, now that he’s committed to staying on with the Cubs, the Cubs are reportedly committing to stay on with him.
Scott Miller reports that, in the wake of the Padres decision, the Cubs have given McLeod a two-year contract extension. If McLeod was otherwise due to be a “free agent” at the end of the year, the deal lines him up to be here through the current deals for Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. Miller added that the Cubs planned to extend him over the Winter, but after he declined the Padres interview, the “appreciative” Cubs decided to move things up. I am only guessing, but McLeod probably got a raise, too.
Good for the Cubs. Good for McLeod. Good, good, good.
It’s no secret that McLeod is a huge part of what the Cubs have been able to accomplish so far in revamping and then building the organization from the ground up. Keeping the band together for at least another couple years is huge.