There were two reports earlier today from Jesse Rogers and Jon Heyman, both saying that Joe Maddon would indeed return to be Cubs manager in 2019, and Theo Epstein has made it official.
During Wednesday’s press conference with the media, Epstein addressed the managerial question for the Cubs. More specifically Epstein discussed Ken Rosenthal’s report in The Athletic that said there was friction between him and Maddon.
"Joe's status remains unchanged. He's the manager of this team, and I'm very happy about that. There was a high profile report this morning that was not accurate." – Theo, dispelling notion that there is friction
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) October 3, 2018
“There were claims we had personal friction. Not true at all.”
Doesn’t want a yes man. Not looked at extension yet.— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) October 3, 2018
Theo Epstein on Joe Maddon: "I look forward to him coming back next year with some unfinished business as we all have in this organization."
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) October 3, 2018
Maddon has led the Cubs to four straight postseasons, the only manager to accomplish that feat in franchise history. He’ll make $6 million in 2019, which is the final year of his five-year contract.
A contract extension has not been discussed between Maddon and the Cubs.
