An internal candidate to replace Carter Hawkins just turned down a huge opportunity

If the Cubs' general manager departs, keep an eye on this highly regarded exec to replace him.

Jake Misener

Griffin Quinn/GettyImages

Multiple reports suggest that Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins is a leading candidate to take over baseball operations for the Washington Nationals, who parted ways with longtime GM Mike Rizzo back in early July.

It's important to note that this wouldn't be a lateral move for Hawkins. Unlike in Chicago, where the GM is the right-hand man to the president of baseball operations, the general manager is the shot-caller in D.C. So, depending on how that situation plays out, the Cubs could be looking for a new GM this fall to work under the recently extended Jed Hoyer.

While the organization could certainly open up the search to external candidates, one internal name that could be in line for a promotion is Cubs' VP of Scouting, Dan Kantrovitz, who recently declined the opportunity to interview with the Baltimore Orioles for their GM opening.

Cubs' VP of Scouting Dan Kantrovitz drawing interest around the league

According to Bruce Levine, Kantrovitz is happy with his current role with the Cubs - but, again, it's worth noting that we don't have a lot of information about Hawkins and the Nationals. Pure speculation, sure, but if Kantrovitz feels there's a decent shot the GM role in Chicago could open up soon, perhaps he's positioning himself to make a run at the job.

Even if that's not the case, it still bodes well for Chicago and the operation Hoyer has assembled around him since taking over the big seat in 2020. Seeing multiple organizations have interest in Cubs executives for top front office roles isn't a coincidence. Given the near-constant frustration the fanbase has with Hoyer, whether it be the lack of major free agent pushes or a wildly underwhelming trade deadline, this offers a fresh take on the work being done in the offices of Gallagher Way.

Many believe a more aggressive mind in the GM seat could help lend better balance to Hoyer's uber-cautious approach, and we don't really know how Kantrovitz lands on that scale. But his work around the draft in recent years speaks for itself - and, for now, he's sticking in Chicago.

Jake Misener

For more than a decade, Jake has been a staple in FanSided MLB - leading the Cubbies Crib team for most of that time.When he's not in the bleachers at Wrigley Field, he can be found covering all things Cubs - including the latest hot stove rumors, roster breakdowns and statistical analyses. Inducted into the FanSided Hall of Fame in 2018, Jake has 15+ years of sports journalism and blogging experience - and is now focused on teaching his daughter the ways of Cubs fandom.