Hours before Game 7 of the World Series was about to begin between the Royals and Giants, CBS' Jon Hayman reported that the Cubs were on the verge of getting their man. Former Cubs manager Rick Renteria was aware that the Chicago front office led by Theo Epstein, was in the process of replacing the second year manager with arguably the best managers in the game. Renteria is guaranteed the next two years of his contract, whether he serves another role in the organization is to be determined.
Now it is all but official.
"The Cubs and agent Alan Nero denied that a deal is done, but people
familiar with the dealings say that it is certain to be completed in
coming days, and that Maddon would indeed be the next Cubs manager.The contract, once finalized, is expected to make Maddon one of the highest-paid managers in baseball and quite likely the best-paid in the National League. Mike Scioscia's Angels deal pays him $5 million annually, so he sets the standard. It is believed Maddon was looking for $5 million-plus per year, but the exact terms are not known, "(Heyman).
Ever since he arrived in Northside of town, Epstein has been trying to get a big time manager in town to give the Cubs that needed jolt of credibility. He tried to pry away Joe Girardi last year from New York, but the Yankees gave him an offer he couldn't refuse. Many thought Epstein's old manager with the Red Sox, Terry Francona, would head over there but he opted for Cleveland instead two years ago.
Now Epstein gets his guy, and he will give him young players and a team on the way up talentwise. They already have an ace in Jake Arrieta and a young slugger in Anthony Rizzo. Maddon is no stranger to turning around young clubs into winners, he did it in Tampa Bay, and will most certainly do it in Chicago.
This is the hot stove season's first big move, and surely everyone's pick to be the next Kansas City will be Chicago.
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