Ryan Flaherty Breaks Silence After MLB Manager Jobs Slip Away: “I’m Not Chasing a Title—I’m Building Something Real in Chicago”,vc
October 31, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Ryan Flaherty, the Chicago Cubs’ highly-touted bench coach and one of MLB’s top managerial candidates, has spoken out for the first time after being passed over for multiple high-profile manager openings this offseason. Despite weeks of speculation linking him to jobs across the league, Flaherty will return to Wrigley Field in 2026 alongside manager Craig Counsell.
“I’ve always believed that the right opportunity comes when you’ve truly earned it,” Flaherty told reporters after the Cubs’ fall organizational meetings. “I’m proud of what we’ve built here in Chicago. If my path keeps me with the Cubs a little longer, that’s fine — because I know when my time comes, I’ll be ready to lead.”
A Rising Star Denied — For Now
Flaherty, 38, emerged as a frontrunner for several vacant managerial roles following a stellar tenure as Counsell’s right-hand man. His name surfaced in connection with:
- Minnesota Twins – Hired Derek Shelton
- Baltimore Orioles – Selected Craig Albernaz
- San Diego Padres – Closing in on finalists including Albert Pujols, Ruben Niebla, and Nick Hundley
Despite glowing endorsements from executives league-wide, Flaherty was not selected.
One rival GM told The Athletic:
“Ryan’s got that modern balance — old-school grit with new-school brains. It’s not a matter of if he’ll manage, but when.”
Cubs Retain Core Coaching Staff Amid Stability Push
The Cubs, fresh off an NLDS exit to the Milwaukee Brewers, are prioritizing continuity. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer confirmed that nearly the entire coaching staff — including Flaherty — will return in 2026.
The lone departure: Alex Smith, Chicago’s influential vice president of data and development, who is joining the Detroit Tigers in a similar front-office role.
“Alex was a huge part of everything we’ve done here,” Counsell said. “His fingerprints are on every scouting report, every development plan. Losing him hurts — but it’s also a sign that the Cubs are producing great minds at every level.”
Why Ryan Flaherty Remains a Future MLB Manager
- Analytical Mastery + Player Whisperer: Combines cutting-edge data with elite communication
- Counsell’s Trusted Lieutenant: Key architect of Cubs’ offensive strategy
- Patient, Not Desperate: Turning down lesser opportunities (e.g., Nationals, Rockies) for the right fit
Sources close to Flaherty indicate he’s eyeing potential 2027 openings with contending clubs like the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Houston Astros.
Flaherty’s Message: Patience Is Power
“I’m not chasing a title,” Flaherty said. “I’m building something real in Chicago. When the moment comes, I want it to be the right team, the right time, and the right people. Until then, I’ll keep doing what I love — helping players win.”
For Cubs fans, Flaherty’s commitment is a silver lining. The organization retains one of baseball’s brightest young minds — and, quite possibly, Craig Counsell’s eventual successor.
As one NL scout put it:
“Chicago didn’t lose Ryan Flaherty this offseason. They just delayed the inevitable.”
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