Cardinals rumors: 3 Oli Marmol replacements to avoid

1. Joe Maddon

Before Joe Maddon gained cult-like status as the manager that helped carry the Cubs to their first World Series championship in over 100 years, Maddon may have been an intriguing get for the Cardinals.

In fact, in 2011 after Tony LaRussa retired from baseball for the first time, Maddon was one of the candidates the media speculated could be a good fit as he’d had much success at that time with the Rays.  Maddon didn’t jump at the chance to join his childhood favorite team, completing his time with the Rays before going to the Cubs in 2015.

Maddon stayed with the Cubs until 2019 when he departed for the Angels. Maddon stayed with the Angels through June 2022 when he was fired in the midst of a 12-game losing streak. When your team has Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, this shouldn’t be happening. Considering this, it’s certain Maddon wouldn’t want to step into a situation like the Cardinals are having.

Maddon is now free to speak with the media and has been quick to defend Willson Contreras, who he managed with the Cubs, as well as discuss the other issues involving the Cardinals struggles. Considering his connection with the Cubs, it is more than a little frustrating for Cardinals fans to hear. Its certain those frustrated fans would balk at Maddon taking over their beloved team.

Maddon seems to enjoy his new lot in life, traveling and commenting on baseball. He should probably stick to that instead of managing, especially for the Cardinals. He would likely make a bad situation worse.