Chicago Cubs: Three reasons for optimism about this season

Reason 2: Joe Maddon may be coaching for his job

Things haven’t always been so rosy between the Cubs’ front office and manager Joe Maddon. While the front office has consistently denied reports of tension between executives like Theo Epstein and Maddon, the rumors persist.

As recently as last season, there were rumors that Epstein was upset with Maddon’s management of the Cubs bullpen and his constant tinkering with the batting order.

Maddon has one year left on a five-year, $25+ million contract he signed in 2014. The manager has repeatedly stated he’s not worried about contract negotiations this season, but it’s something that will hang over his head depending on how well this team does in 2019.

An extensive piece of reporting published in The Athletic on Sunday revealed that Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer spent this offseason putting new ground rules in place for the organization. Many of these seem to be aimed at countering Maddon’s laid back style of managing.

New team rules like mandatory batting practice at least four times per week, limiting alcohol and fast food consumption in the clubhouse and on team flights, and a rule that players spend more time in the dugout all seem like rebukes of Maddon’s philosophies.

All these changes from above coupled with the fact that Maddon wasn’t even offered an extension after last season show that the front office is clearly asking Maddon to prove himself this year. It will be interesting to see if he can stick it to them by winning and save his job.