Joe Maddon's sudden freedom may create a feeding fenzy among teams unsure about their manager, but early word is that Maddon understands new Dodgers honcho Andrew Friedman is committed to Don Mattingly in Los Angeles and has no intention of trying to go there.

Maddon suddenly looks like one of the top free agents in the game.

Early speculation from execs on other teams has been about the Cubs. Cubs president Theo Epstein interviewed Maddon for the Red Sox managerial job in 2003 when he hired Terry Francona and watched him within the divison for years. The Cubs are also looking to make some bold moves this winter.

There should be suitors, but one team that will not be involved is the Mets, according to people with that team.

Maddon had an opt-out clause in his contract written into his last deal done by agent Alan Nero in the event Friedman left the team, which seems prescient now. Maddon had a year left on his contract at $2 million but is now a free agent after exercising the opt out.

Maddon and the Rays had talks for more than a week about this situation, but sources suggest those talks grew contentious and Maddon, who always aims to keep things amicable, eventually decided it was just best to exercise the clause. Rays owner Stu Sternberg said in a statement, "We tried diligently and aggressively to sign Joe to a third contract extension before his decision."

Of course, Maddon knew he wasn't among the highest-paid managers when he signed his deal. But now with contracts moving up, it has become clear he was greatly underpaid.

Even Friedman was said to have been making in the range of $3 million as Rays GM, as he worked without a contract but benefited from interest from at least the Angels and Astros in the past.

Any number of teams could show interest in Maddon, who is considered among the top managers in the game, if not the top manager. It really seems amazing the number of games he has been able to win with a payroll that has been at or near the bottom in baseball, at least until this season, when it had a decent-sized boost.

The Twins are the only team with a current managerial opening. But it isn't hard to imagine one of several teams creating one for a talent such as Maddon. He is said more than willing to accept other roles besides manager. However, there is a decent likelihood that there will be a team out there that creates a managerial opportunity for the chance to grab one of the best in the game.

Don't expect to see Joe Maddon in the home dugout at Dodger Stadium. (USATSI)
Don't expect to see Joe Maddon in the home dugout at Dodger Stadium. (USATSI)