Report: MLB Probing Cubs For Tampering In Joe Maddon Hiring
(CBS) MLB is investigating whether the Cubs tampered with new manager Joe Maddon while he was still under contract with the Rays, The New York Post reported Monday afternoon.
Maddon was officially introduced as Chicago's new manager last Monday, 10 days after news broke on Oct. 24 that he'd exercised an opt-out clause with Tampa Bay after nine seasons of managing there. The Rays are claiming that Maddon "only opted out of his contract because he was made aware of what the Cubs were willing to offer him should he jump," the Post reported. MLB rules prohibit teams to discuss such matters with personnel on other clubs.
Maddon signed a five-year deal with the Cubs that was reportedly worth $25 million, plus incentives.
The Cubs and Maddon have denied any tampering occurred. The Rays requested that MLB looks into it, according to the Post.
"It's just wholly inaccurate," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said recently. "There's nothing to it. If we keep seeing stuff in print, then we're going to respond at some point. For now, we'll just take it day-by-day. But there was absolutely no tampering whatsoever."
If it's determined that tampering occurred, the Cubs would likely have to give the Rays some form of compensation, the Post reported, such on a player, draft pick(s) or money.