I want to ask for some indulgence here on what will admittedly be speculation… but stick with me, for I’ll give you the reasons for why this is not just a random thought. But first, here’s the punch line:
The chances of Atlanta moving B.J. Upton to the Cubs may have just advanced forward significantly.
It has been widely reported this morning that Joe Maddon, the long-time manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, has opted out of his managerial contract and is now a free agent himself. Sources indicate that the departure of General Manager Andrew Friedman to the Dodgers triggered the opt-out clause in Maddon’s deal, and he has indeed exercised that option today.
The Cubs Connection
We have previously reported the news from August that Frank Wren had apparently discussed a deal with the Cubs that would be an exchange of bad contracts: B.J. Upton’s deal with Atlanta for Edwin Jackson‘s deal with the Cubs… and other moving parts would have been involved in that deal.
Sources for this? Oh, there have been a few: here, here, here, here, here, and… well, you get the picture. It wasn’t exactly a state secret.
But now with Maddon suddenly without a job, there’s an interesting scenario that could develop. Let’s try this:
In some order, Bochy, Showalter, Francona, Melvin, Maddon are considered MLB's five best managers. When one comes free, teams ought pounce.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 24, 2014
Within industry, #Cubs viewed as a leading contender for Maddon. Renteria signed through 2016. Team could simply pay off rest of his deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 24, 2014
But wait… there’s more (from people who do this for a living):
One Maddon confidante believes he wouldn't have opted out without a sense of what the market would bear. And he wants to go big market.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 24, 2014
Dodgers are indeed out on Joe Maddon, as @Ken_Rosenthal said. Not happening. Period. Cubs and Mets considered by friends to be favorites.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 24, 2014
Keep in mind #Cubs were willing to spend big on mgr (Girardi) last offseason and who reps Girardi: Alan Nero, who also reps Maddon #yankees
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) October 24, 2014
All righty, then. With Joe Maddon, we have a manager that B.J. played for – and indeed actually thrived under at one time. Both men “grew up” in the majors together – B.J. and Joe both debuted for the Rays in 2006. And Maddon could be heading to Chicago.
Familiar territory.
Comfortable surroundings.
Not Far-Fetched
You can connect the dots from here: if Maddon were to end up with the Cubs, then it’s hardly a reach for the Cubs to think that Upton might improve – at least somewhat – in their uniform. But of course, they aren’t happy with Jackson, either.
The reports on what killed the deal back in July are a bit conflicted. Some say the Braves wanted more “value” back; others suggest the Cubs thought they needed needed something else. But all reports seemed to agree that such a swap (which would probably be wrapped more around somebody like Mike Minor than B.J.) could be revisited in the off-season.
We will soon be at that point in the off-season as most teams are now assessing their needs for the next campaign. The Cubs need a few things – a center fielder and pitching being two of them. But having a manager that might help a certain center fielder regain some of his past prowess might very well work for them, too.
Let’s hope that Mike Minor is healthy enough to be part of that conversation, should it occur.