The Cubs are expected to name Ryan Flaherty as their bench coach, reports . Until recently, Flaherty had that same job with the Padres. Flaherty, 37, played in the majors from 2012 to 2019 but then quickly transitioned into coaching. The Padres hired him as a Jordan Bowden Jersey quality control coach prior to the 2020 season and he subsequently became bench coach and offensive coordinator going into 2023. He is clearly a respected voice around the league, as he has received plenty of attention around the league despite only finishing his playing career a few years ago. The Mets wanted to interview him for their bench coach gig prior to 2022 but the Friars that request. With manager Bob Melvin departing the Padres for the Giants this offseason, Flaherty was considered a candidate for the bench bo s in San Diego but that job ultimately went to Mike Shildt. Per , Flaherty had one year left on his contract but was given permi sion to interview with other teams after the Shildt hiring. It seems that Flaherty has decided to make a change after four years in San Diego. He will now jump to the Cubs, who have shaken up their staff by hiring Craig Counsell to replace David Ro s as manager. Counsell will have Flaherty as his top lieutenant while the Padres will now have to make yet another hire, finding Shildt a replacement for the bench coach role. Rodions Kurucs Jersey