A new report suggests that while Albert Pujols is the favorite, some in the San Diego front office are “pushing for” the Cubs bench coach, creating a pivotal decision for Chicago’s 2026 staff.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs’ coaching staff for 2026 hangs in the balance as bench coach Ryan Flaherty remains a serious candidate for the San Diego Padres’ vacant managerial job, despite reports he was not among the finalists.
According to a new report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, an “internal battle” is underway within the Padres’ front office. While MLB legend Albert Pujols is widely considered the favorite, Heyman notes it is “not a foregone conclusion” he will get the job, as some executives are “pushing for Flaherty.”
For the Cubs, the decision could mean losing a key member of their staff. Flaherty’s options appear to have narrowed to either becoming the next manager of the Padres or returning to his role in Chicago.
The San Diego managerial position opened suddenly this postseason after the team’s elimination by the Cubs in the National League Wild Card round. Days after an embarrassing video surfaced showing Padres players confronting umpires, manager Mike Shildt made the “sudden decision to ‘retire’.”
Flaherty’s candidacy has been complex. He was initially believed to be a strong candidate, only to be left off the publicly revealed list of finalists earlier this week. Heyman’s report, however, puts him squarely back in the mix.
His primary competition, Pujols, has had a “curious” rise as a managerial candidate. The future Hall of Famer has yet to hold a coaching position at either the minor league or Major League level. His experience consists of managing in the Dominican league and being tapped to manage the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Pujols was previously linked to the Los Angeles Angels, but the two sides were unable to agree on contract terms, leading the Angels to hire Kurt Suzuki.
The managerial market is shrinking, limiting Flaherty’s options. He interviewed with the Baltimore Orioles earlier this offseason, but the Orioles opted to hire Craig Albernaz. With the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals also finding new managers this week, the only remaining open jobs are with the Padres, Atlanta Braves, and Colorado Rockies. Flaherty has not been linked to either Atlanta or Colorado.
Flaherty’s status is now the “only question mark” for the Cubs’ coaching staff. The team has already seen one minor departure, with Alex Smith, a coach involved in data gathering, leaving for a role with the Detroit Tigers. No other coaching changes are expected for the Cubs.
