Shake-up in Twins front office could have implications for Cubs

Share

MILWAUKEE – The Minnesota Twins are conducting a secretive search for their next head of baseball operations that is still in the infancy stages, but has reportedly produced two names from the Cubs: Jason McLeod and Shiraz Rehman.

Theo Epstein’s front office has built the best team in baseball, making this kind of buzz inevitable, especially with McLeod, the scouting and player development executive involved in drafting Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Dustin Pedroia Jacoby Ellsbury and Josh Reddick for the Cubs and Boston Red Sox.

The Twins could be looking at a possible two-tiered structure that would include a president’s title as well as a general manager to oversee day-to-day operations at the major-league level, similar to what the Cubs have with Epstein and Jed Hoyer.

MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi identified McLeod, Rehman and Alex Anthopoulos – the former Toronto Blue Jays general manager and current Los Angeles Dodgers executive – as persons of interest in Minnesota’s search.

McLeod withdrew his name from consideration when his hometown San Diego Padres were searching for a general manager in the middle of the 2014 season, citing the timing, family considerations, his comfort level in Chicago and a desire to win a World Series ring with the Cubs.

After Minnesota fired Terry Ryan in July, widely respected assistant general manager Randy Bush – who helped the Twins win two World Series titles as a player – told the Chicago Sun-Times that he is in the right place now with the Cubs.

Rehman, who earned an MBA from Columbia Business School, has a background in finance and statistical analysis and is heavily involved in salary arbitration.

“I’m really happy with my situation here,” Rehman said before Wednesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. “Everyone in the organization is 100 percent focused on trying to win a championship for the city of Chicago. I’m flattered by whatever media attention (is out there). But I’m really happy and focused on what we’re (doing here).”

Contact Us