In very stunning news, Rays manager Joe Maddon has opted out of his contract with the Rays and will be leaving the team (per Buster via Twitter). The move comes as a major surprise, as Maddon had said recently that he expected to remain in Tampa.
Jeff Todd of MLB Trade Rumors noted,
The move represents the second key departure to hit the Rays in recent weeks, as the team lost long-time GM Andrew Friedman to the Dodgers. Speculation immediately began that Maddon could follow Friedman to Los Angeles, though all involved shot that down quickly. Indeed, the Dodgers have stated publicly that they intend to keep skipper Don Mattingly in place heading into 2015.
In a statement confirming the news (pictured above), Rays owner Stuart Sternberg says that the club “tried diligently and aggressively to sign Maddon to a third contract extension prior to his decision.” Maddon has “enabled himself to explore opportunities throughout Major League Baseball.”
Maddon had been the Rays manager for nine seasons, during which he established a reputation as one of the game’s most innovative and forward-thinking skippers, running the dugout for two AL East crowns and four total postseason appearances.
The immediate assumption is that he is headed for LA, following in the footsteps of Andrew Friedman. It should be noted, Maddon already owns a home in Longbeach. However, Los Angeles is not an automatic destination for Joe Maddon. Andrew Friedman has already told the media he has every intention of retaining Don Mattingly in LA, something which he reiterated this afternoon (see below). Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs could buyout Rick Renteria’s contract and pay off the remaining balance of his salary.
The question now begs, who will assume the position of team manager? Charlie Montoyo of the Rays AAA affiliate Durham Bulls? Bench coach Davey Martinez? On a conference call this afternoon (transcription linked), new Rays GM Matt Silverman indicated the search for the next Rays manager will be internal and external, and for the process to take a good amount of time. Silverman did not pinpoint the qualifications for the next skipper, and neither Martinez or Montoyo were specifically mentioned by name.
In a radio interview with WDAE, pitching coach Jim Hickey presumed that Martinez is the first name that comes to mind as a replacement for Maddon. He (Martinez) is “absolutely, positively ready” to manage the big league club, noting he not only paid his dues under Maddon, but already has the respect of the current clubhouse.
We’ll have more on this as the news breaks.
Noteworthiness
- Your tweets of the day:
Maddon told me decision to leave #Rays was combination of financial issues and curiosity over what opportunities will present.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014
Maddon said there was give and take with #Rays on a new deal but “we were still too far apart.” — Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014
Maddon on how hard it was to leave #Rays: “Gut wrenching, almost feeling sick.”
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014
#Rays Silverman said they tried to figure out a contract extension and made many offers but it became clear there would be no deal — Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014
#Rays Silverman said there will be a deliberate search to find a manager, will include internal and external candidates
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014
#Rays Silverman said he expects search to take a while — Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014