(670 The Score) The Cubs will retain Joe Maddon for the 2019 season but won't offer him an extension this offseason, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Wednesday afternoon.
Maddon is under contract through 2019, so this decision will make him a lame-duck manager. Cubs management is apparently content with that, given Maddon's historic run of success with the Cubs but also cognizant of some of his managerial weaknesses. The Cubs will make a determination on Maddon's future with the organization after the 2019 season, Nightengale reported.
Maddon, 64, is 387-261 (.597) in his Chicago tenure and has led the Cubs to a franchise-record four straight playoff appearances, including a drought-breaking World Series title in 2016 and to appearances in the National League Championship Series in 2015 and 2017. The Cubs have won two division titles in Maddon's tenure, but they faltered late this season, squandering a five-game lead to the Brewers in September before losing to them in Game 163 on Monday.
A day later, the Cubs fell 2-1 to the Rockies in 13 innings in the NL wild-card game, which marked Chicago's earliest playoff elimination under Maddon, who's regarded a quality leader and motivator but whose in-game tactical acumen has often come under fire and been magnified in the playoffs.
Maddon originally signed a five-year deal in November 2014 that's worth up to $28 million, per reports.
