Joe Girardi may just become the hottest free agent on the market.
While his contract with the Yankees is not set to expire until Oct. 31, the Bronx Bombers have made it clear they do not want their manager going anywhere, reportedly even offering Girardi a pay raise to extend his stay with the team.
Girardi’s agent will meet with Brian Cashman on Wednesday to discuss a new deal for the skipper, but the Chicago Cubs are also throwing their names into the hat.
Following the dismissal of Dale Sveum after two seasons with the club, ESPN’s Buster Olney is reporting that Cubs ownership is “making a strong internal argument to hire him and intends to make him a serious contract offer, if given the chance.”
According to the report, the Cubs have serious interest in hiring the Illinois native, and they view him as someone who could generate fan interest in a team that has seen dwindling attendance numbers over the past five seasons.
Cashman declined to say if he would grant Girardi permission to speak with the Cubs, but sources told Olney the Yankees were “hesitant” to give him permission to negotiate with Chicago.
