Cubs Bench Coach Named a Managerial Candidate by Insider

Baltimore is one of several teams that are expected to hire a new manager in the near future. After a horrid 15-28 start to the season, which was unexpected after Baltimore made the playoffs last year, the team fired their manager Brandon Hyde in May. The former Cubs' first base coach was in his seventh season as Baltimore's skipper, but he was relieved in an attempt to turn the team's season around. 

The Colorado Rockies and the Pittsburgh Pirates have also terminated their managers this season as all three teams sit in last place of their respective divisions. 

Flaherty was initially taken by the Cubs in the first round of the 2008 draft before he was claimed in the Rule 5 draft by Baltimore in 2012. After spending six years as a utility man for the Orioles, Flaherty spent 2018 and 2019 with the Atlanta braves and Cleveland Guardians respectively before retiring as a player at age 33. 

As Nightengale noted, Flaherty learned under respected manager Buck Schowalter, who was Baltimore's skipper for Flaherty's entire playing tenure with the team. Flaherty was around for two Baltimore playoff runs under Schowalter in 2012 and 2018.

After retiring, Flaherty was hired as a scout and development coach for the San Diego Padres before the 2020 season, and he was later named the team's bench coach for the 2023 season under Bob Melvin. After Melvin left and former Cardinals manager Mike Shildt took his place, Flaherty was a finalist to become the team's new manager and reports indicate that some players preferred him over Shildt. Flaherty has served under Cubs' Manager Craig Counsell since January of 2024.