Joe Maddon’s time with the Chicago Cubs has run out, the club confirmed before the last game of the season on Sunday.
After winning a world series and a pennant in five years, the Chicago Cubs have decided to fire manager Joe Maddon. The firing of Maddon was expected for weeks, but Theo Epstein and the Cubs finally pulled the plug on Sunday.
Both sides seem to be mutual over this tough decision, with Maddon even telling reporters that he’ll remain in touch with the players. It seems like the time has come for the 65-year-old manager after his team failed to reach the postseason and finished third in their division. His managerial career isn’t over yet, though.
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Fans were pleased with the announcement that Joe Maddon wouldn’t be returning for his sixth season as the club’s manager. They held up signs at games at Wrigley Field, started petitions, and one even penned a letter to club president Theo Epstein expressing their displeasure with Maddon.
Managing the Cubs for five seasons, he compiled a 471-338 record over the five seasons beginning in 2015 when he left the Tampa Bay Rays to join Chicago.
The firing proves that baseball is a business. Just one bad season could put you out of a job, but luckily for Maddon, it looks like he has a lot of options out there.
Multiple teams could be fit for Maddon – who previously expressed interest in managing the Phillies. While it’s unclear if Maddon will actually be hired by the Philadelphia Phillies, it’s almost certain to say he will be in new colors by Spring Training.
We’ll just have to wait and see where he will end up next season.