Theo Epstein Shuts Down Speculation About Joe Maddon Tension

There were two reports earlier today from Jesse Rogers and Jon Heyman, both saying that Joe Maddon would indeed return to be Cubs manager in 2019, and Theo Epstein has made it official. During Wednesday's press conference with the media, Epstein addressed the managerial question for the Cubs. More specifically Epstein discussed Ken Rosenthal's report in The Athletic that said there was friction between him and Maddon.

Maddon has led the Cubs to four straight postseasons, the only manager to accomplish that feat in franchise history. He'll make $6 million in 2019, which is the final year of his five-year contract. A contract extension has not been discussed between Maddon and the Cubs.