DETROIT -- The Twins asked for and received permission to interview Cubs executive Jason McLeod for their vacant front-office position, Chicago general manager Jed Hoyer confirmed Monday.
McLeod, the Cubs' senior vice president of player development and amateur scouting, is considered an up-and-coming candidate to oversee a front office. The Twins are looking to emulate the structure of organizations such as the Cubs, who have a president of baseball operations and a general manager.
"I expect Jason will talk to Minnesota, as has been speculated," Hoyer said. "I don't have any timing on that. I'm expecting that to happen."
McLeod has an eye for talent, helping to rebuild the Red Sox and Cubs under Theo Epstein. McLeod also had two stints with the Padres, including working with Hoyer from 2010-11 before joining the Cubs. Players he's drafted include Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, Josh Reddick, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber.
McLeod has 21 years of experience in baseball operations and coaching, including six with the Red Sox, spending his final five years in the organization as director of amateur scouting. He also worked in a variety of roles with the Padres from 1994-2003, including as a scout and a Minor League coach.
McLeod, 44, turned down chances to interview for vacant GM positions with the Mariners and Padres last offseason, saying it wasn't the right time.
"We've dodged a few bullets the last few years with him," Hoyer said. "I'm sort of expecting if not now, soon. There's probably not a better scouting and player development guy out there. He has all the skills to do every part of the job. He's got a great way about him as a person. He manages people really easily, and I think people love working for him.
"I think he'll be good at it once he gets the job. I think we've dodged some bullets, and we know it's probably inevitable that he's going to get an opportunity, which is great."