Ruben Amaro Finally Let Go and Other Executive Rumors

phillies logoIt may not be as exciting as trade rumors or the upcoming free agent class, but the pool of available executive jobs continues to rise and the upper echelon of executives continue to be rumored for those high profile gigs. Given the Cubs collection of well-thought of executives, then, it’s important to stay informed and aware of these stories. This is that information.

  • The Phillies have announced that Ruben Amaro, Jr. will not be returning next year as the team’s general manager, and they named Scott Proefrock as the interim GM, effective immediately. The search for a new, full-time GM begins now.
  • Jon Morosi (Fox Sports) reminds us that four other MLB teams will be looking for a new general manager this offseason (Red Sox, Angels, Mariners and Brewers), with the possibility of three more joining soon thereafter (Phillies (now for sure), Marlins and Reds). That is a lot of openings and a lot of candidates to be interviewed. That’s why MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reportedly reminded teams, at the owners meeting last month, that at least one minority candidate must be interviewed if a team conducts a search of candidates for the manager or general manager position. There are certainly a number of highly qualified, minority candidates. Hopefully, this rule – which was enacted 16 years ago – and this rash of openings across the league helps to alleviate the imbalance that exists in the league.
  • Cubs Senior VP of Player Development and Amateur Scouting Jason McLeod and Assistant GM Shiraz Rehamn are also mentioned in that Jon Morosi article as deserving, qualified candidates – which, surely they are – but it is in a purely speculative manner that they are included. I’d guess both will get their chance soon – they definitely deserve it – just hopefully not too soon.
  • Former GM turned manager Dan Jennings is aware that he is not being retained as manager at the conclusion of the Marlins season; however, he does reportedly have an offer to return as the general manager, but has yet to announce if he plans on accepting it. Perhaps Jennings, who works under President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill, will try to find a job as a president, himself, or he might want to keep his options open, as we know there is a lot of opportunity right now.
  • The Brewers, are beginning the search for the next GM after long time GM Doug Melvin stepped down:
  • And Mariners and Angels are jumping into the fun, as well, taking a look at Yankee’s assistant GM Billy Eppler:
  • Bob Nightengale with a nice breakdown of the available high-profile positions, including why the position is open, who is in the running and what could/should happen. There isn’t any current Cub personnel in that report, but it remains a nice consolidation of what we generally know.
  • The Angels are reportedly kicking their search for a Jerry Dipoto replacement into the next gear and hope to select a candidate before the season ends (Alden Gonzalez). This report at Angels.com comes with a potential list of internal, experienced and first-year candidates, including the Cubs’ own Jason McLeod.
  • It would seem that McLeod (and others) will not be the ideal candidate(s) for at least one team, given his lack of experience as a GM:
  • And one last round-up of the open GM spots, from FanGraphs (Kiley McDaniel), including the spots that will likely be open soon. Jason McLeod gets yet another mention as a prospective candidate, so this post is your official warning: he is very much on the radar.
  • written by

    Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

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