CHICAGO _ The Cubs will have their third pitching coach in as many seasons after the team on Tuesday announced Jim Hickey is leaving the organization for personal reasons.
Hickey, who replaced Chris Bosio last November, supervised a pitching staff that ranked second in the National League with a 3.65 ERA. But reports that Hickey wouldn't return surfaced earlier this month, and team President Theo Epstein didn't comment on Hickey's status until after Hickey notified the organization of his decision to leave.
"We thank Jim for his season with the Cubs and his positive impact on our pitchers," Epstein said in a statement. "Jim has our full support and we all wish him well."
The statement said a search for Hickey's replacement is underway. Minor-league pitching coordinator Brendan Sagara interviewed for a major-league pitching coach job earlier this month, a source said.
Hickey, 57, completed his 15th season as a major-league pitching coach. The Chicago native was the pitching coach for the Astros for three seasons before joining Joe Maddon's staff with the Rays in 2007 and staying with the team until reuniting with Maddon in 2018.
Hickey is the third coach who won't return to the Cubs. Hitting coach Chili Davis was fired, and assistant hitting coach Andy Haines left to become the Brewers' hitting coach.
