Theo Epstein Doesn't Expect Any Cubs' Front Office Members To Leave

(CBS) With his team in the midst of a breakout season, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein doesn't expect that any front office members will leave for higher-ranking jobs with other organizations after the season ends.

"We have a very tight-knit group, and this is a great time to be a Chicago Cub, whether you're in a uniform or in the front office," Epstein told the Chicago Tribune on Tuesday. "I don't really worry about losing people. But if we do, I think we have a very deep organization with another layer ready to step up. We have depth in the front office, but I think we're a great team in the front office and I expect us to stay together for a while."

With a deep minor league system that's ranked among baseball's best and which is proving dividends at the big league level this season, senior vice president of scouting and player development Jason McLeod's been a hot name in baseball circles. The Padres expressed interest in him last year year for their open general manager's job before he withdrew from consideration. Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer also boasts a strong resume in helping with the team's rebuild since he came to Chicago from San Diego in October 2011.

Cubs assistant GM Shiraz Rehman has recently been linked to the Mariners' open GM job in a report from Fox Sports.

As for Epstein, he's under contract through the end of the 2016 season. On Tuesday, he reiterated that he's not in a rush to sign an extension, a point he'd told 670 The Score's Bruce Levine in August.

"I am committed to the Cubs and could not be happier," Epstein told CBSChicago.com back in August. "I am very happy working with the this group of people. Tom (Ricketts) and I see this as a long-term partnership with a lot left to accomplish. I am happily under contract (through October 2016). As for an extension, there are a lot more important things going on right now in the organization. We just haven't gotten around to it. I am sure we will at an appropriate time."

The Cubs were 82-60 and securely in control of the second NL wild-card spot entering a doubleheader against the Pirates on Tuesday. They're on a 93/94-win pace, which would be their most victories since 2008, the last time they made the playoffs.