Chicago, IL — April 27, 2025

Former Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon has never been one to hold his tongue — and this week, he made headlines again, calling out Major League Baseball for what he sees as “overregulation” that’s hurting the natural rhythm of the game.

In an appearance on a national sports podcast, Maddon, who famously led the Cubs to their 2016 World Series championship, sounded off about the increasing number of rule changes that have swept across baseball over the last few seasons — from pitch clocks to larger bases and automated strike zones.

“The game was never broken,” Maddon said. “It didn’t need fixing at this level. Now it’s like every year, we’re tinkering with something that made baseball what it was.”

Maddon’s comments struck a chord, especially among Cubs fans who already have mixed feelings about how the league has evolved. Some say quicker games are a win; others feel the soul of the sport is slipping away in favor of TV ratings and faster broadcasts.

At Wrigley Field, the conversation has picked up steam. With the Cubs battling hard early in the season — highlighted by their thrilling sweep of the Dodgers last week — the focus has been squarely on the field. Yet, Maddon’s words serve as a reminder that the broader state of baseball is just as important as the standings.

Interestingly, many players have echoed Maddon’s sentiment behind closed doors. One current Cub, who asked to stay anonymous, reportedly said, “We play the game because we love it, not because we want to beat a clock.”

A Legacy of Speaking Out

This isn’t the first time Maddon has ruffled feathers. During his time managing the Cubs (2015–2019), he was known for challenging the norms — whether it was defensive shifts, lineup creativity, or encouraging players to embrace individuality. It’s no surprise he’d push back now that changes feel, to him, more like “corporate tweaking” than evolution.

And love him or not, Maddon has the résumé to back up his opinions. A two-time Manager of the Year and the man who helped end Chicago’s 108-year title drought, his voice still carries serious weight.

The Big Picture for the Cubs

For now, the Cubs are focused on the present — they’ll look to close out their series against the Phillies today at Wrigley Field. But make no mistake: conversations like the one Maddon started won’t go away. As baseball charges toward a new future, voices like his will keep asking a critical question:

Are we saving baseball — or losing what made it great?