Report: Rays may file tampering charges against Cubs

The Rays may file tampering charges against the Cubs after Joe Maddon opted out of his contract and was hired by Chicago, according to Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

Maddon announced on Oct. 24 that he was exercising the opt-out clause in his contract. On Friday, the Cubs announced they had fired manager Rick Renteria and would introduce Maddon as their new manager on Monday. 

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"The Rays remain convinced that the Cubs enticed Maddon to opt out of the final year of his contract," Topkin reports. Maddon's agent, Alan Nero, denied any tampering occured, according to Topkin. 

Cubs general manager Theo Epstein said in a statement that the team learned Maddon had opted out one day before the news was made public.

- Dan Gartland