Cubs part ways with third-base coach

The Cubs and third-base coach Willie Harris are parting ways, per Bruce Levine of 670 The Score on X. Levine characterizes the split as mutual with the sides on good terms. He adds that Harris is open to other coaching positions.

Harris, 46, played in the majors from 2001 to 2012, suiting up for the Orioles, White Sox, Red Sox, Atlanta, Nationals, Mets and Reds. After his playing days were done, he moved into coaching, spending some time in the minors. The Cubs hired him as third-base coach going into the 2021 season, working under manager David Ross.

Craig Counsell took over as the Cubs’ skipper coming into 2024, inheriting Mike Napoli as first-base coach with Harris at third. It was reported last week that Napoli and a couple of other coaches won’t be returning, and Friday's news means the Cubs have yet another coaching vacancy to fill.

Back in August, Scott Merkin of MLB.com spoke to Harris about the managerial job with the White Sox, shortly after Pedro Grifol had been fired with Grady Sizemore taking over on an interim basis. Harris said that he would be interested in being the skipper of the White Sox, but it’s unclear if that interest runs the other way.

“I would absolutely love it if they showed interest in me being the leader of this organization, this team,” Harris said. “But I also understand how it goes. It’s a waiting process. If they call, great, I’ll be ready. I’ll be prepared.”