MLB rumors: Could ex-Yankees manager Joe Girardi replace Cubs’ Joe Maddon?

If the Cubs move on from Joe Maddon, ex-Yankees manager Joe Girardi could be a top candidate.

Scalp Micropigmentation Offer — ADVERTISE WITH NYYNEWS

Despite the best record in the National League and a team looking like the favorite to win the National League pennant, Cubs manager Joe Maddon‘s days in Chicago could be numbered.

According to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, some perceive some “tension” in Chicago between Maddon and the team’s star-studded front office.

According to some, there is thought to be some tension over the “Joe Show,” baseball’s most entertaining manager’s strong and public presence, and there’s a real movement away from older legendary guys (and $6 million salaries). So it’s definitely worth wondering about.

Rumblings of some possible discontent have been heard at least since last spring, and Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently suggested Maddon might need to go deep into the playoffs to make it to next year. It seems crazy, but don’t forget that Dusty Baker, John Farrell and Joe Girardi were all let go last year after what would seem like successful seasons.

If, and it’s a big if, the Cubs actually move on from a manager that could be headed to his fourth consecutive LCS, Girardi’s name is now out there as a possible replacement.

The early buzz is that Girardi — a Peoria, Ill. native, Northwestern product and ex-Cub — could eventually become a candidate here. He’s also a Joe, but there’s no real show there.

With the St. Louis Cardinals playing well (and extending the contract) of Mike Shildt after an in-season switch, the Cubs would instantly be the best and most attractive job on the market for someone like Girardi.

Girardi canned

Girardi was let go from the Yankees after taking the 2017 team to Game 7 of the ALCS.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.