Major League Baseball

Report: Cubs in talks with Maddon, could have answer by Friday

Published Oct. 29, 2014 8:01 a.m. ET

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The Chicago Cubs are in talks with Joe Maddon about their managerial position and could have an answer by Friday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Maddon, who has spent the past nine seasons as the Tampa Bay Rays' manager, exercised an opt-out clause in his contract on Oct. 24. During his tenure, the Rays won two AL East titles, reached the postseason four times and advanced to the World Series in 2008. Before Maddon took over, the team hadn't had a winning season in its 10-year history.

Rick Renteria led the Cubs to a 73-89 finish this past season, his first as the team's manager. He has two more guaranteed years remaining on his contract.

Renteria released the following statement Monday: "I was hired nearly a year ago to be the Chicago Cubs manager. Notwithstanding all the speculation, I continue to focus my offseason preparation on achieving the goal we established from the start: bringing a championship to Chicago."

The Cubs aren't alone in their pursuit of Maddon, as MLB.com reports Maddon's agent has talked with 10 teams, including the Cubs. Other than the Rays, only the Minnesota Twins currently have a managerial opening.