Ray's Joe Maddon Opts Out of Contract

Dwindling attendance reports aren’t the only problem facing the Tampa Bay Rays as they look forward to the 2015 season. The team now has to begin a hunt for a new manager.

Joe Maddon has opted out of his contract, the Rays reported on their Twitter feed Friday. Maddon’s contract was not set to expire until the 2015 season ended.

“We tried diligently and aggressively to sign Joe to a third contract extension prior to his decision,” Stuart Sternberg, the team’s principal owner, said in a statement. “He will not be managing the Rays in 2015.”

Maddon has served as the team’s manager for nine seasons.

The Rays have been eyeing new location possibilities as attendance problems have continued to plague the team. The Rays had a 77-85 record in the 2014 season.

It is unclear how soon a search for a new manager will begin.

What are your thoughts on this? Will Maddon’s departure hurt the team? Share your opinions by commenting below!

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See Also:

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