What happened: Texas Rangers assistant general manager Cole Figueroa is the leading candidate to become the new general manager of the Athletics, according to a report from Bob Nightengale. Figueroa would serve under Taylor Smith, the franchise's president of baseball operations. The 39-year-old former infielder previously worked alongside Smith in Tampa Bay.

Why it matters: The potential hire would establish the Athletics' front office leadership heading into the winter offseason. Figueroa and Smith share organizational familiarity from their tenure together in the Rays system. The role would mark Figueroa's first position as a primary general manager after rising through the Rangers' executive ranks.

What to watch: Watch for the Athletics to formalize front office contracts ahead of the winter meetings.