Chicago Cubs Rumors: Is manager Joe Maddon’s job really at risk?

A recent report suggested Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon could be on the hot seat if his team doesn’t make another deep postseason run this October.

Those of us who bleed Cubbie blue are spoiled more now than perhaps at any point in the storied history of this franchise. The Chicago Cubs have advanced to three consecutive National League Championship Series, winning their long-coveted World Series in 2016. The man at the helm for all this? Joe Maddon.

Chicago appears poised to win 90-plus games for the fourth-straight year over the next month and control their own destiny in regards to yet another National League Central crown. Despite a bevy of injuries to key players, Maddon has kept this team not just afloat, but atop the National League.

But now, at least according to one report, Maddon’s job could be in danger. Should his young club fail to make another deep playoff run, would Theo Epstein really choose to go in another direction?

Chicago Cubs: Maddon has been better than ever in 2018

Anyone looking for a way to criticize Maddon is likely to point to the Cubs’ relative health during his tenure. Aside from Kyle Schwarber‘s devastating knee injury in 2016, this club has largely been on the field from start-to-finish every year.

That certainly has not, though, been the case in 2018.

The Cubs’ biggest offseason additions, Yu Darvish and Brandon Morrow, have both missed significant chunks of the regular season. Darvish, of course, turned in just eight starts before being shut down for the year after multiple failed rehab attempts.

Former National League MVP Kris Bryant has played in just six games after the All-Star Break this year. His corner infield partner Anthony Rizzo battled lower back issues early in the season, as well. The two have barely been on the field together at their best – yet, entering September, the Cubs still boast the best record in the National League.

That’s not to mention the horrendous showing from Tyler Chatwood – which left Maddon balancing an overworked bullpen and finding spot starts wherever he can for months on end. Chicago hasn’t enjoyed tremendous fortune this year – but they’re exactly where they need to be with a month left in the regular season.

Chicago Cubs: This job is Maddon’s as long as he wants it

We’re living in a time where loyalty means far less than it used to. A society focused on instant gratification and a ‘what have you done for me lately’ mentality. But I have a message for Cubs fans. Joe Maddon is the right man for this job.

I don’t care about the league-wide trend of flipping proven (expensive) managers for unproven commodities. Last fall, we saw Dusty Baker, Joe Girardi and John Farrell all lose their jobs in lieu of Dave Martinez, Aaron Boone and Alex Cora.

But, as we’ve seen in Washington, doing so is far from a guarantee of success. The Nationals may very well miss the postseason in 2018. Cora and Boone, of course, inherited loaded rosters seemingly destined for October.

Sure, Maddon won’t come cheap after his current contract expires. But you know what? He’s earned every penny. He’ll likely head into 2019 a perfect four-for-four in postseason appearances, three NL Central crowns with at least three NLCS and a World Series title.

Seems like a worthwhile investment if you ask me.