There has been some uncertainty about whether or not Joe Maddon will wind up with the Los Angeles Angels because of some of the high-profile managerial jobs that have opened up across Major League Baseball, but the two sides are close to finalizing a deal.
Jon Heyman of Fancred reported on Wednesday that Maddon and the Angels are expected to have an agreement in place in the very near future.
Joe Maddon and #LAAngels are close to a deal to make him their next manager
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 16, 2019
Maddon was viewed as the most logical fit for the Angels from the moment the Chicago Cubs decided to part ways with him. The 65-year-old has deep ties to the organization, as he was with the Angels for 31 years as a player and coach before he was named the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays. There was a report about one other veteran manager being considered the frontrunner after meeting with LA’s ownership, but that was likely never the case.
The Angels fired Brad Ausmus after his lone 72-90 season with the team. They were apparently planning to part ways with him even before Maddon split with the Cubs, but it would be a surprise if Maddon’s availability played no role at all in their decision.
