Earlier on Friday, we learned that Joe Maddon is opting out of his contract as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, essentially making him a free agent and free to negotiate with other clubs. Maddon had been the team’s manager dating back to 2006 and compiled a 754-705 record in that time, including managing the team to the AL Pennant in 2008. Prior to Maddon’s arrival, the team’s best record since their 1998 inaugural season was 70-91. Under Maddon, the team won at least 90 games in 5 of 9 years.
According to the Rays’ official twitter account, Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg had tried to get Maddon to stay.
Here's what Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg had to say regarding Joe Maddon's departure from the #Rays: pic.twitter.com/klaNMgX4w0
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 24, 2014
Joe Maddon is widely considered one of the better managers in all of MLB, so the next question becomes where does he go from here? Reports out of Chicago and ESPN have the Cubs as a likely potential suitor.
Joe Maddon has opted out of his contract with the Rays, and the #Cubs speculation has heated up: http://t.co/qsTNdiHPao
— Bernstein & Holmes Show (@BernsyHolmes) October 24, 2014
My guess on Joe Maddon: He eventually winds up with the Cubs.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 24, 2014
