Joe Maddon, the Tampa Bay Rays manager since 2006, is to leave the team with immediate effect.
The news comes unexpectedly, and was confirmed by the Rays on Twitter.
Here's what Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg had to say regarding Joe Maddon's departure from the #Rays: pic.twitter.com/klaNMgX4w0
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 24, 2014
There had been speculation that he could follow former Rays general manager, Andrew Friedman, to the Dodgers, although Friedman said last week that Don Mattingly would “definitely” be the manager next season.
Maddon has yet to comment on his departure.
The statement from Rays owner, Stuart Sternberg, said: “Joe Maddon has exercised an opt-out in his current contract, a contract which was not scheduled to expire until after the 2014 season.
“We tried diligently and aggressively to sign Joe to a third contract extension prior to his decision. As of yesterday [Thursday] afternoon, Joe enable himself to explore opportunities throughout Major League Baseball.
“He will not be managing the Rays in 2015. Joe has been our manager for nine seasons, and the foundation of success laid during his tenure endures. We thank him for all that he’s meant to the organisation.”
