Apr 24, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon reacts after the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Angels never discussed contract extension with Joe Maddon

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 6/7/22

This season was a make-or-break year for Joe Maddon as manager of the Los Angeles Angels. The team’s recent 12-game losing streak turned into a breaking point.

The Angels on Tuesday fired Maddon amid their losing streak in hopes that a new voice will help turn things around.

Maddon signed a three-year deal with the Angels when he was hired to manage them prior to the 2020 season.

The team started off strong. They were 27-17 and looked to be in good shape to make the postseason for the first time since 2014. Then the team started losing games and couldn’t stop.

A big postseason run would have triggered a $4 million vesting option for the manager. But Maddon also had a $1 million buyout. According to reporter Bob Nightengale, the Angels never engaged in contract extension talks with Maddon.

Joe Maddon had a $4 million option or $1 million buyout in 2023, but the Angels had never engaged in contract extension talks.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 7, 2022

Maddon went 130-148 (.468) over two-plus seasons as the team’s manager.

While the team has the flashy names in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, they have had several other gaping holes.

It's worth noting Ohtani did not pitch in 2020, Trout was injured most of 2021 and Anthony Rendon has been injured for much of 2020 and 2021.

Maddon just wasn’t given a chance this year in what was his first full season with a reasonable roster and few injuries. Now it will be interim manager Phil Nevin’s turn to see what he can do.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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