Major League Baseball said Saturday that the investigation into tampering allegations against the Cubs over the hiring of manager Joe Maddon will continue into the season – lengthening an already five-month process.
New commissioner Rob Manfred had said in February he expected resolution by Opening Day. The Cubs and Cardinals open the season Sunday night at Wrigley Field.
“Our goal was to conclude it by the beginning of the season but there is still some work to be done with the investigation,” an MLB spokesman said.
The Tampa Bay Rays immediately raised the tampering allegations when Maddon used an opt-out clause in late October to become a free agent and quickly signed a five-year, $25 million deal with the Cubs.
Maddon, his agent and Cubs officials have emphatically refuted the allegations.
If MLB determines the allegations are true, penalties could include player compensation and/or suspension(s).
