Joe Maddon Says He's Confident He'll Manage Cubs Beyond This Season

Joe Maddon's job security may be up in the air to some, but the man himself doesn't seem to worried.

The Chicago Cubs skipper expressed confidence that he'll manage the club beyond 2019, saying he has "very high" optimism about his chances.

"I'm operating like we’ll be together for a couple more years, at least," said Maddon in reference to how he's approaching things. "I’m not going to sit and proclaim I’m looking to go elsewhere. That’s not true."

From Maddon's perspective, it's easy to see why he's so confident in his future with the team. He won them their first World Series in 108 years back in 2016. He's guided them to a 450-315 record with four playoff appearances and a fifth one likely on the way.

But outside the ivy-covered walls of Wrigley Field, it's just as easy to see how he could be on the hot seat. Since the team's 2016 championship run, Maddon and the Cubs have won a grand total of four playoff games.

Last year alone, they lost a one-game playoff against the Brewers for the division title and then proceeded to lose in extra-innings to the Colorado Rockies in the Wild Card game.

There's a lot more riding on these next few months than Maddon seems to realize.

Another brief postseason run in 2019 could spell the end of his tenure in the Windy City. But at least in his eyes, his job is as good as secured.