According to multiple reports on Wednesday afternoon, Ryne Sandberg is leaving the Cubs organization. Reportedly Sandberg was offered the I-Cubs manager’s job for next season but decided to move on instead.
A tweet from Bob Nightengale (USA Today) indicated Sandberg was offered the Cubs’ bench coach job and turned it down as well. Jim Hendry confirmed Ryne Sandberg’s decision and indicated the Cubs left it up to him. Hendry is hoping Sandberg will return at some point to the organization.
Sandberg is no longer under contract and can pursue other opportunities.
“I don’t think it was ever in his plans to be in the minor leagues after this year,” Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. “Whatever opportunities he looks to is up to him. He’ll always be welcome here. He knows that for the future, if he chooses he wants to come to spring training, that would be great. If he wants to pursue opportunities with someone else that would be up to him.”
“The Iowa decision was totally his,” Hendry said. “We gave him as much time on his decision as he needed to. He’ll always be a beloved Cub and hopefully we’ll hook up in the capacity he feels appropriate in the near future.”