Cubs could have perfect opportunity for front office change with Carter Hawkins in demand

Regardless of how the Chicago Cubs' 2026 season comes to a close, it's hard to imagine there will be much change at the start of the offseason. Jed Hoyer received a contract extension last summer, and Craig Counsell isn't going anywhere. Change certainly may be needed, and it could arrive due to rising interest in Carter Hawkins.

It's hard to imagine that Hawkins is openly looking to leave the Cubs. Despite the GM title, everyone knows that it's Hoyer who makes the final decisions for the team's baseball operations. And, despite their recent slide, the Cubs have been positioned as one of the better teams in the National League over the last two years. That's a comfortable set-up for Hawkins.

That said, it's also fair to wonder if the Cubs have become too complacent with their current front office structure. This remains a group that has yet to win a division title, and there have been clear warts with their roster construction over the last couple of seasons. If nothing else, it feels like a new voice is needed.

Carter Hawkins is once again positioned to leave the Cubs' front office, but there's a catch

That wish may finally be granted this offseason. FanSided's Robert Murray reports that Hawkins has been a rising candidate for front office vacancies over the past year, and that's expected to be the case once again this offseason. In fact, the impression from Murray's intel is that Hawkins has reached the point where the next logical step in his career development is running a front office of his own.

It's important context, especially when you look at some of the front office changes across baseball over the last couple of months. Both the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels have parted ways with their respective general managers, clearing the way for a fresh face to run their teams.

For the Astros, it's a team that is always going to have meddling from owner Jim Crane, who also has his own guys intertwined within the front office. That doesn't feel like a logical location for Hawkins, considering he would still be answering to someone above him. As for the Angels, there's a growing belief that John Mozeliak will remain with the organization. Why would Hawkins leave the Cubs only to answer to another baseball executive above him?

That doesn't mean there won't be openings for Hawkins. Even if it's just as a general manager, the opportunity should be there for Hawkins to explore a role where he is the decision-maker.

For the change that is truly needed for the Cubs, Hawkins leaving may be the only thing that sets up the scenario for it to happen.

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