An internal candidate to replace Carter Hawkins just turned down a huge opportunity

If the Cubs' general manager departs, keep an eye on this highly regarded exec to replace him.

Griffin Quinn/GettyImagesMultiple reports suggest that Chicago Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins is a leading candidate to take over baseball operations for the Washington Nationals, who parted ways with longtime GM Mike Rizzo back in early July.

It's important to note that this wouldn't be a lateral move for Hawkins. Unlike in Chicago, where the GM is the right-hand man to the president of baseball operations, the general manager is the shot-caller in D.C. So, depending on how that situation plays out, the Cubs could be looking for a new GM this fall to work under the recently extended Jed Hoyer.

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