Joe Maddon has opted out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. After managing the team for nine seasons, with a 754-705 record, Maddon will not be returning for the last season of his contract.
According to Yahoo Sports, Tampa Bay owner, Stuart Sternberg, tried to "sign Joe to a third contract extension prior to his decision." Unfortunately, he will not be returning to manage the team for the 2015 season; instead, exploring his options around the league.
With Maddon as manager, the Tampa Bay Rays made it to the playoffs four times, won two AL East titles, and had a World Series appearance. Maddon's decision to leave came less than two weeks after the executive vice president of baseball operations, Andrew Freidman, left the Rays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Freidman's departure brought about questions as to whether or not Maddon would follow him to the Dodgers. As of right now, Don Mattingly is still the manager for the 2015 Dodgers season.
The Rays do not have another manager lined up, but the search will begin immediately.
