While it took over a week – Joe Maddon was finalizing details for this move back then – it’s finally official. Maddon will be the next manager of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. ESPN is reporting a three-year contract in the $12 to $15 million dollar range.
After some concerning news surrounding the organization and the Tyler Skaggs tragedy, this announcement could not come at a better time.
.@Angels officially name Joe Maddon as manager.
He returns to the organization after spending his first 31 seasons with the club. pic.twitter.com/35KK1E6mqe
— MLB (@MLB) October 16, 2019
Last season the Angels went 70-92. Immediately, they decided Brad Ausmus wasn’t the guy for the job and parted ways with him. Then, the Cubs elected on the season’s final day that they would not bring back Maddon. Right now, Angels’ general manager Billy Eppler sounds thrilled to have his new guy leading the way.
“We are thrilled that Joe is coming back home and bringing an exciting brand of baseball to our fans,” general manager Billy Eppler said. “Every stop he has made throughout his managerial career, he has built a culture that is focused on winning while also allowing his players to thrive. We believe Joe will be a great asset for our club and look forward to him leading the team to another World Series championship.”
Furthermore, the Angels organization should be excited. This is a big-time hire who comes aboard during the prime of Mike Trout’s career. Maddon owns a home in the Anaheim area – and spent the first five decades of his baseball life in the Angels’ organization.
The Angels released a really nice tweet welcoming the former World Series winning manager to their organization.
OFFICIAL: The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to terms with manager Joe Maddon. pic.twitter.com/PKZHBaljl8
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) October 16, 2019
Finally, this is a big-time hire and should make the Angels interesting again. We will later learn what kind of fit Maddon is for the roster he has to work with. However, we already know he can win ballgames in the American league because of his years in Tampa.
Angels fans should be pretty excited about this new beginning, coming to Disney in spring of 2020.
