The overhaul within the Chicago Cubs is continuing, and former Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is out as part of the changes.
The Cubs made a handful of staff changes following the end of another disappointing season, according to multiple reports. Napoli, who was serving as the team's first base coach, was one of three coaches the team let go, according to a report from The Athletic.
The changes aren't entirely surprising, and not just because the Cubs failed to reach the postseason for the fourth straight year. While Chicago did finish over .500 (83-79 for a second consecutive year), it's about to enter its first full offseason with Craig Counsell calling the shots after hiring him to a jaw-dropping deal last offseason. Counsell likely will look to incorporate some of his guys onto his staff. The Cubs hired Napoli ahead of the 2020 season when David Ross was the manager.
Napoli, who won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2013, was hired as a quality assurance coach before getting the promotion to first-base coach in 2022.
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Napoli was well-regarded during his playing days and with stops in four different cities, he probably should get another crack at a coaching gif if he wants it. It would be interesting to see if the Red Sox might have a role for Napoli. Boston's chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was part of that Chicago front office that hired Napoli in 2020, and he also played with the slugger as part of that 2013 Sox team that won the World Series.
Breslow and manager Alex Cora wouldn't say Monday whether there would be changes to the Red Sox coaching staff moving forward.
Featured image via Jerome Miron/Imagn Images
