Brian Blanco/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon won’t be returning in 2015. Maddon exercised his opt-out clause in his contract and is leaving the team.
“We tried diligently and aggressively to sign Joe to a third contract extension prior to his decision,” Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said in a statement. “As of yesterday afternoon, Joe enabled himself to explore opportunities throughout Major League Baseball. He will not be managing the Rays in 2015.”
ESPN.com reports that Maddon leaving doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll be going to join the Los Angeles Dodgers after they hired new president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. He worked with Maddon and the Rays as an executive vice president.
Maddon is a two-time AL Manager of the Year and compiled a 781-729 record in 11 seasons.
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