WATCH: Joe Maddon addresses his Cubs exit |
ST. LOUIS — The expected news that Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon would be returning to the North Siders in 2020 was finally broken on Sunday, with Maddon and Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein announcing in a joint press conference that the two sides had mutually agreed to part ways. Maddon has been the Cubs' skipper since 2015, and his contract, which expires at season's end, will not be renewed.
Typical of Maddon, the 65-year-old manager was quite jovial and verbose while addressing the media, saying, "There's nothing to denigrate. There's nothing to bemoan. There's nothing to lament. It's been fabulous. Anybody would take that five-year run, including winning a World Series championship for the first time in a 108 years." Indeed, in 2016, the Cubs won their first World Series since 1908, with Maddon accomplishing the feat in his second year on the job after leaving the same position with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, the Cubs have seemingly underperformed since then, particularly during the past two seasons, and Maddon's relaxed managing style and persistent lineup changes were largely blamed as a result. The Cubs missing out on the postseason this year seemed to be the final straw. "I'm really excited for the future," Maddon continued. "And I'm really excited for the Cubs' future. I will remain a Cubs fan, absolutely." Maddon revealed to the press that he had addressed the players prior to making the announcement, and he said that he asked the players to stay in touch with him. Set to become a managing free agent following the Cubs' season finale against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Maddon is expected to attract plenty of interest from other teams in need of a new manager. "I'm really looking forward to the future," Maddon said. "I think I've got a solid 3-5 (years) minimum. Mick Jagger just rocked Soldier Field at 76. All of those things are pertinent to me, and they all serve as motivation for me." Theo Epstein, on the meeting Saturday night with Joe Maddon. pic.twitter.com/eBIembfcw6 “It’s a good moment for everybody.” —Joe Maddon pic.twitter.com/bRAENyFJ89 The full press conference can be viewed here:
