Ken Rosenthal: Joe Maddon Parting Ways with Cubs a Foregone Conclusion

As the Chicago Cubs limp their way to the end of their disappointing 2019 season, the writing is reportedly on the wall for Joe Maddon's departure from the franchise.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Maddon's exit has all but been decided, with the Cubs choosing to move on after five seasons. Maddon's contract expires after the 2019 campaign, so it's not technically a firing, but for all intents and purposes, it'll be a choice made by Theo Epstein and Cubs management.

The Cubs have been eliminated from playoff contention after dropping nine straight games in a shocking final stretch. While there had been rumors about Maddon's job status all season, the team was in the thick of the Wild Card and NL Central hunt before falling apart. The Cubs are a dismal 31-47 on the road, the third-worst mark in the NL.

Despite his fate being seemingly sealed, Maddon has been publicly optimistic about his future. 

"We'll make that over the next couple days and move it on from there. But I'm very pragmatic. I'm very optimistic," Maddon told 670 The Score on Wednesday. "I'll just leave it with that. I'm very optimistic right now. I'm very optimistic about the future."

Of course, Maddon might be optimistic because he knows he'll have no shortage of offers as a proverbial free agent. The 65-year-old has posted a 1,250-1,067 record during his managerial career, with his highlight being a 2016 World Series win with the Cubs.

Rosenthal noted the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Angels have interest. Maddon previously spent two stints as an interim manager for the Angels.