Cubs Reportedly Won't Ask Joe Maddon to Return as Manager in 2020
By Michael Luciano
It appears that the Joe Maddon era has come to an end on the North Side, as the Chicago Cubs manager is likely not going to be back at Wrigley Field next season.
According to Ken Rosenthal, it's widely understood that 2019 will be Maddon's final season at the helm of the Cubs.
Rosenthal: It's a "a fait accompli" that Joe Maddon will not be back as Cubs manager https://t.co/3SMXjaQEpY via @HardballTalk
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) September 27, 2019
Before disappointing with an 82-77 record this season, Maddon had recorded 92 or more wins in each campaign he was in charge of the Cubs. His crowning achievement, of course, came in 2016 when he won 103 games en route to the Cubs' first World Series title in 108 years.
As skilled of a manager as he's proven himself to be, the Cubs might need a fresh face in the clubhouse to stir things up a bit, considering it appeared as if Maddon's effectiveness in the dugout waned this year.
Sunday could have been the last time Joe Maddon manages a game at Wrigley Field in a Cubs uniform. Maddon while managing at Wrigley from 2015-2019:
— Cubs Live (@Cubs_Live) September 23, 2019
• 256 regular season wins
• 8 playoff wins
• 1 World Series win
This guy changed the culture at Wrigley. Thank you, Joe! ?? pic.twitter.com/cxZc7qBu6u
Maddon has been mentioned for several other potential managerial vacancies, and his record should land him at least one other job. However, the clock has likely struck midnight on his time with the Cubs, and it's hard to object to his likely dismissal given what a letdown the 2019 season has been.