Joe Girardi Signs 4-Year Deal, Chicago Cubs Change Course

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs’ search for a manager will change course after the New York Yankees announced via Twitter that Joe Girardi agreed to a four-year deal through the 2017 season worth approximately $16 million, according to reports by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Girardi, 48, was an attractive managerial candidate for the Cubs due to his seven years of managerial experience. He won a World Series title in 2009 with the Yankees as well as three American League East titles.

Prior to joining the Yankees in 2008, Girardi was the Floria Marlins manager in 2006 and was named the National League Manager of the Year after leading them to a 78-84 record with the lowest payroll in the majors.

The Peoria, Ill. native and Northwestern graduate spent four seasons as a Cubs player from 1989 to 1992 and he returned to the franchise from 2000-2002 before retiring after a final season playing for St. Louis.

The Cubs reportedly were willing to pay more than the Yankees’ offer for Girardi but he decided to stay in New York.

Girardi was the frontrunner for the position following the Cubs firing of Dale Sveum on Sept. 30. Cubs President Theo Epstein and Cubs management will now focus on other candidates with major league managerial experience or strong experience in developing young players.

The leading candidates for the positions are now former major league managers Manny Acta and A.J. Hinch and Tampa Bay bench coach Dave Martinez.

Rick Renteria has been mentioned as a candidate, but the San Diego Padres announced today that all seven members of the coaching staff will return next season.

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