MLB finds no tampering in Maddon's exit from Rays

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball has concluded its tampering investigation regarding Joe Maddon's departure from the Rays and his subsequent hiring as manager of the Cubs. The investigation produced no finding of a violation of Major League Rule 3(k) on Tampering.

In October, Maddon exercised an opt-out clause to manage the Rays in 2015, which made him a free agent to field unknown offers. Shortly thereafter, he signed a five-year, $25 million deal with the Cubs.

"We make our decisions based on the facts at hand and the processes we trust," Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg said in a statement. "We can never be certain of the outcomes."

Over nine seasons with the Rays, Maddon accumulated a record of 754-705 and led the team to two first-place finishes in the American League East, four postseason berths and the AL pennant in 2008. He was named the AL Manager of the Year in 2008 and '11.