Four Candidates Already Linked To Cubs Manager Job

Theo Epstein confirmed on Monday that David Ross is on the Cubs list of candidates to replace Joe Maddon as manager. While Epstein didn't specifically name someone else, he did reveal two more candidates that will be considered.

Other than Ross, Epstein said that a current Cubs coach will possibly be a candidate. He didn't say at this point only because he still hadn't met with the entire coaching staff. Epstein will talk with the Cubs coaches on Tuesday.

The most obvious name is Mark Loretta, who the Cubs hired as bench coach for 2019. He's been rumored to be a candidate since it appeared inevitable that Maddon was not going to return in 2020.

Epstein was also asked if a current coach on a playoff team is a candidate and again, while not specifically naming someone, he confirmed that yes at least one candidate is currently in the postseason.

The hot name right now is Astros bench coach Joe Espada. He's been with Houston for two years and one of his top duties is to handle the Astros infield positioning. The Astros shift as much if not the most in MLB. Espada was previously with the Yankees from 2014-17, and was their third base coach for his last three seasons in New York.

And the fourth name that has been linked to the Cubs is Raul Ibañez.

Ibañez has been a special advisor in the Dodgers front office since 2016.

Back in 2018, the Cubs reportedly tried to bring in Ibañez and add him to their coaching staff before the season and after Brandon Hyde left to become the Orioles manager, Ibañez was rumored to be a candidate to replace Hyde as Cubs bench coach.

So, there's definitely some interest from the Cubs in Ibañez.

Epstein said interviews will start next week.