Change in a front office is an annual thing, and a healthy part of the organizational process. Obviously the Cubs have been undergoing a LOT of front office change over the last couple years, from the addition of tons of new personnel in player development to the departure of Theo Epstein to the promotion of Jed Hoyer to the significant role changes last year to the huge post-pandemic staff reduction to the hiring of new GM Carter Hawkins.
It’s been a lot of change. Much more than you would usually see over a two year stretch.
Steady through that change, and actually going back more than a decade before that, was Assistant GM Randy Bush. After his big league playing days, Bush coached at the University of New Orleans before being hired as a Special Assistant to Jim Hendry, then the GM of the Cubs, back in 2005. He was made an Assistant GM the next year, and held that position for 15 years.
But, since change is inevitable, he’s now transitioning out of that role:
More changes coming to the Cubs front office: Randy Bush, a World Series winner as a player and an executive, is transitioning out of the Wrigley Field front office and into an advisory role with the club. https://t.co/VgRoaOnarg
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) October 20, 2021
Bush, 63, was coming to the end of his contract this year and expressed to Hoyer that he’d like to step down after the season, per Mooney. The pandemic led to a life reassessment – as it did for a lot of folks – and an advisory role that would allow him to spend more time in Florida with his family was the better fit. At least the Cubs are still able to retain his knowledge and experience as a sounding board, because there’s a reason Bush lasted through as many front office changes as he did.
There’s no word in the report on whether the Cubs will look to add another Assistant General Manager to the mix – currently, Craig Breslow and Jeff Greenberg hold the title, with Jason McLeod a Senior VP of Player Personnel. I’ve wondered whether Hawkins would be permitted to bring someone with him from Cleveland – it’s not uncommon in these situations – and perhaps the extra space in the front office, so to speak, could now permit it.
All the best to Bush in his life ahead, and in his reduced role with the Cubs. More from Mooney here.