Joe Maddon optimistic Cubs will offer him new contract

The Chicago Cubs have been steadfast in their refusal to discuss a new contract with Joe Maddon, who is in the final year of the five-year contract he signed when joining the organization. That doesn’t mean Maddon sees no future in Chicago, though.

Maddon said Sunday his optimism is “very high” that the Cubs will give him a new contract, even as the team sits a modest 1.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.

“It’s very high, yeah,” Maddon said, via Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. “Very high. Very, very high. I’m operating in that I believe we’ll be together for a couple more years at least.”

Maddon’s confidence comes despite the fact that the front office has been unhappy at various points about the team’s progress this season. It’s entirely possible he has some private assurances, but you’d still think a division title is imperative.