Chicago Cubs News: Jason McLeod interviews for Angels GM role

Chicago Cubs senior VP of player personnel Jason McLeod interviewed for the open Angels GM position

The offseason is well underway for the Chicago Cubs, and it will be a big one at that. The hope is that big changes are coming in what could be the last season in the Theo Epstein era. One name in the front office that’s been mentioned in interviews is senior vice president of player personnel Jason McLeod. He recently interviewed for the open general manager position for the Los Angeles Angels, where a potential reunion with Joe Maddon could be in store.

McLeod has a long history with Epstein and has been with the Cubs for nine seasons but, along with Epstein, got his foot in the door with the Padres in 1994. He then joined Epstein’s staff in 2003 and was united with Jed Hoyer as well during that time. Before coming to Chicago, McLeod had a cup of coffee with his old team in 2010 to be the assistant general manager for the Padres.

Since joining the Cubs, McLeod has a big role in bringing in young talent and developing them. Some first-round draft picks that can be linked to his name include Albert Almora, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber. Three names that were an integral part of 2016 but now have much uncertainty around them as we move forward.

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McLeod has done an excellent job in his time with the Cubs and is always a name that comes up for general manager openings.  The Angels are a team that could benefit greatly from having him at the helm.

Los Angeles has been a mess, and even with a huge 2019 offseason that included acquisitions of Maddon, Anthony Rendon, and an extension for Mike Trout, things could not have gone worse. If they don’t turn things around soon, the narrative about wasting the best player in the game’s prime years in Trout.

The Angels have the talent on offense to be successful, but they need to address their pitching. The verdict is still out on Shohei Ohtani, and it seems as if there’s no true ace on this staff. The arms will be out there this free agency and whoever takes control of the front office in Los Angeles needs to make a move to bring in talented pitching if this team wants any chance to contend in the AL West.

McLeod has the experience that gives him such a leg up to other potential candidates. Being apart of two championships, not to mention two of the greatest drought-enders in sports history, gives him the experience and exposure to building up two previously laughable organizations. Also, his time working with of the best GM’s to ever do it will be another important accolade to his resume.

McLeod is a huge asset to this Cubs organization, and it would be disappointing to see him leave. Still, he has deserved the opportunity to become a general manager in this league, and if he earns the role with the Angels, we wish him nothing but the best.