Report: Cubs set to hire Maddon as manager

The Chicago Cubs are set to hire Joe Maddon as their manager, CBSSports.com reported Wednesday.

Maddon and the Cubs are close to reaching a deal that should be wrapped up within days, according to report, which also indicated the former Tampa Bay Rays manager is seeking at least $5 million per year.

If that is the case, Maddon would become one of the highest-paid managers in the major leagues. Angels manager Mike Scioscia is paid $5 million annually.

Up to 10 teams have expressed interest in Maddon, according to his agent, Alan Nero, since he opted out of his contract with the Rays last week after general manager Andrew Freidman left for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It’s not the first time the Cubs have tried to hire a big-name manager. The Cubs made a run at Joe Girardi last winter before he re-signed with the New York Yankees.

Meanwhile, still employed as Cubs manager is Rick Renteria, who is aware that the team is pursuing Maddon for his job. Renteria has two guaranteed years remaining on his contract.

Maddon would be the latest big-name manager to try to help the Cubs win their first World Series title since 1908. Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella led the Cubs to the playoffs in recent years but never as far as the World Series. The Cubs’ last playoff appearance came in 2008.

This past season, the Cubs finished with a 73-89 record, but there is lots of optimism because the roster is stocked with young talent that could make the team a contender next year.

Maddon served as Rays manager for nine seasons and posted a 754-705 record. Tampa Bay won two American League East titles, reached the playoffs four times and advanced to the World Series once under Maddon.