Cubs Fire Pitching Coach Chris Bosio: Reports

A day after Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he would like to keep his coaching staff intact, a key member of that group has reportedly been fired.

According to several reports, including USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, pitching coach Chris Bosio will not return for the 2018 season. MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports that the Cubs will not pick up the option on Bosio's contract, making him a free agent. 

Bosio, whose work with pitchers like Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks has made him a widely respected figure in the city, will likely be a hot commodity, but the Cubs have decided that it’s time for a new voice in the role.

That decision comes after a hideous playoff performance by the team's bullpen, who posted a 6.21 ERA in ten games, and the struggles of several key relievers, including Justin Wilson and Hector Rondon.

As the Cubs pursue a replacement for Bosio, two names have immediately emerged as front runners.

Former Tampa Bay Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey, who worked with Maddon, is a strong contender, as is former Washington Nationals pitching coach Mike Maddux, who was let go after Dusty Baker was fired as the team’s manager on Friday.

There is no word on whether anyone else on Maddon’s staff is in jeopardy of being let go after the Cubs were dumped from the playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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