Ryan Flaherty’s Rising Managerial Stock: Padres and Orioles Eye Cubs Bench Coach Amid Hot Stove Buzz.vc

CHICAGO — Ryan Flaherty, the Chicago Cubs’ bench coach since January 2024, is emerging as one of MLB’s hottest managerial prospects, with his name prominently linked to openings in San Diego and Baltimore. As the Cubs thrive under Craig Counsell—cruising to a 92-win 2025 and an NLCS appearance—the 39-year-old Flaherty’s quiet influence has elevated his profile, drawing interest from teams seeking a blend of analytics, player development, and clubhouse savvy. While Chicago isn’t shopping for a new head man, Flaherty’s trajectory reflects the Cubs’ coaching pipeline’s success, positioning him as a prime candidate for a big-league dugout leap.

Flaherty’s Cubs Impact: A Steady Hand Behind the Bench

Flaherty’s two seasons in Chicago have been marked by subtle excellence. Joining Counsell’s staff after stints as the San Diego Padres’ bench coach (2020-23) and quality control coach, he contributed to the Cubs’ offensive resurgence, including a .260 team batting average and 4.5 runs per game in 2025—their best since 2016. His work with young hitters like Pete Crow-Armstrong (30-30 season) and Michael Busch (34 HRs) emphasized data-driven adjustments, boosting the Cubs’ wRC+ to 108 (4th in NL). “Ryan’s the glue—translating numbers to at-bats,” Counsell said post-NLCS, crediting Flaherty’s role in clutch hitting (.320 RISP). Before coaching, Flaherty’s playing career (2012-19, mostly with Baltimore) yielded a .234 average and 24 homers in 464 games, but his real mark came as a utility infielder and early analytics adopter.

Padres Connection: A Reunion with AJ Preller?

Flaherty’s strongest link is to the San Diego Padres, where he served as bench coach under Bob Melvin from 2020-23, briefly acting as interim manager in 2022. With Mike Shildt’s retirement opening the job, MLB insider Jon Heyman noted Preller’s prior pursuit of Flaherty as Melvin’s replacement in 2023, calling him a “top choice” for the gig. “San Diego, I think, AJ Preller wanted Ryan Flaherty the last time, didn’t he?” Heyman said on a live stream, highlighting Flaherty’s familiarity with the Padres’ roster and analytics-heavy front office. “He seems ready at this point; I think he should look for a managerial job somewhere,” Heyman added. Other candidates include Ruben Niebla and Phil Nevin, but Flaherty’s track record—helping San Diego to a 98-win 2022—gives him an edge.

Orioles Interest: A Homecoming for the Fan Favorite?

Flaherty’s playing days peaked with Baltimore (2012-17, .236 average, 22 HRs), earning him cult status as a gritty utility man. With Brandon Hyde’s mid-2025 firing and interim Tony Mansolino’s 60-59 finish, the Orioles seek a permanent skipper, and Heyman pegs Flaherty as a “top choice,” citing his Orioles roots and coaching poise. “If the Orioles change managers again, the leading candidate will be Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty,” Bob Nightengale wrote in USA Today. While Mike Elias may favor continuity with Mansolino, Flaherty’s analytics background and Orioles nostalgia make him a compelling fit for a 95-win contender eyeing another AL East crown.

Flaherty’s Readiness: “If That Means Taking the Next Step, I’m Ready”

Flaherty, 39, embodies quiet competence. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had with the Cubs and all I’ve learned along the way,” he told MLB Network in a recent interview. “At the end of the day, it’s about doing what’s best for my growth and development as a coach. If that means taking the next step, I’m ready for whatever challenge comes my way.” His interim stint with the Padres in 2022 (4-3 record) and Cubs contributions—guiding a staff that produced three Silver Slugger finalists—signal preparedness. X fans are bullish: “Flaherty to Padres? He’d crush it with that roster,” one tweeted, while Orioles supporters added, “Bring Ryan home—Hyde 2.0!”

For Cubs fans, it’s bittersweet. Counsell’s TIME100-honored leadership has Chicago humming, but Flaherty’s potential exit highlights the staff’s allure. “Ryan’s growth is a win for us all,” Hoyer said, per ChiCitySports. As the carousel spins—Angels to Kurt Suzuki, Giants to Tony Vitello—Flaherty’s next move could redefine his legacy.