The Chicago Cubs reportedly have won the Joe Maddon sweepstakes.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, citing sources, Maddon will take over as the Cubs’ next manager. The two reportedly were in talks, but an answer wasn’t expected to come until Friday, two days after the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals wrapped up Game 7 of the World Series, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The two sides are on the verge of agreeing on a “mega-deal,” Heyman reported, according to people familiar with the situation. Heyman added Maddon’s contract is expected to make him one of the highest-paid managers in Major League Baseball, and likely the best paid in the National League.
The Cubs have denied a deal is done, but people “familiar with the dealings” told Heyman the deal will be completed in the coming days.
Maddon exercised an opt-out clause in his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays on Oct. 24 after nine seasons with the ball club. Maddon compiled a 754-705 record while at the helm of the Rays, leading the team to four American League East titles and one World Series appearance.
Current Cubs manager Rick Renteria, who was hired last offseason, had reportedly been informed the team was in discussions with Maddon.
UPDATE (6:30 p.m.): The Windy City might need to postpone its celebrations. Maddon’s Chicago-based agent, Alan Nero, told the Chicago Sun-Times that despite the Heyman report, nothing is close to being done.
“It’s not a done deal by far,” Nero said. “We continue in good faith to discuss this with several teams, including the Cubs. We hope something will be resolved quickly.”
The Sun-Times, citing sources, added that negotiations between the Cubs and Maddon turned “serious” Tuesday, and progressed to “back-and-forth” talks Wednesday.
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