Joe Girardi Plays The Waiting Game, Wants To Manage Either The Cubs Or White Sox

By Jordan Long

Manager Joe Girardi may not manage in 2019.  He pulled his name from the Cincinnati Red’s opening even though he was 1 of 3 finalists for the job which went to David Bell.  The Texas Rangers also interviewed him but didn’t hire him.  There is speculation Girardi would like to wait for an opening to manage either the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox.

                Girardi has ties to the Cubs organization. He had two different playing stints with the team.  The first lasted from 1989 to 1992 and the second one from 2000 to 2002.   Girardi would love to manage the Cubs.

                The problem with the Cubs’ job is it is not open.  It is still occupied by Joe Maddon, who has been with the Cubs since 2015.  During that time the Cubs are an impressive 387-261, a winning percentage of .597.  Maddon helped the Cubs win 2 division titles and they haven’t missed the postseason.  They won the World Series in 2016.

                Maddon has 1-year left on his current deal that he signed in 2015.  Cubs’ President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein, has not talked to Maddon about a contract extension to this point.  It is possible if the Cubs start out slowly or only make it to the Wild Card game next year, the Cubs will go in a different direction. 

If that happens, Girardi may have his opportunity to manage the Cubs.  He is a fit to take over for Maddon in that scenario.  Girardi brings plenty of managerial experience to the Cubs.  He could help this team make a run to the postseason every year and possibly win another World Series.

                Girardi may also be interested if the Chicago White Sox job is ever open.  The White Sox current manager is Rick Renteria.  He has been with the White Sox since 2017.  His record is an unimpressive 129-195, a winning percentage of .398.  Renteria’s contract is up after 2019.   It could be Girardi’s job then because the White Sox may look for a manager who has MLB knowledge.   Girardi has plenty of it, but the White Sox are a team rebuilding.  The front office will need to be patient with Girardi because it would take a few seasons for them to make the postseason.  

Girardi knows he wants to manage again at the Major League level.  It seems he will not manage next season.  It is not a guarantee the White Sox or the Cubs job will be open next fall. If they aren’t, Girardi must decide if there is anywhere he can manage after 2019.