Fired to be hired: Joe Maddon could be one of the most pursued free agents of the winter

ST. LOUIS — His first choice was to keep the job he had with the Cubs, but Joe Maddon shouldn’t be unemployed for long.

Four other teams have managerial openings, including the National League Central rival Pirates, who fired Clint Hurdle just after the Maddon news became official Sunday. And at least two other teams might have openings within days.

‘‘I don’t want to wait; I’m ready,’’ said Maddon, 65, who has said he hopes to manage another five years.

The Mets’ and Phillies’ jobs are expected to open, and either would seem to be a good fit — along with the Pirates’ job — for Maddon, a native of Pennsylvania.

The Giants, Royals and Padres also have openings. And one report linked Maddon to the Angels, although that seems unlikely.

‘‘My criteria involves going where somebody really wants you; that’s No. 1,’’ Maddon said. ‘‘Wherever I go, I’m gonna believe we’re gonna win, so I’m not always concerned about that.’’

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn on Friday shot down speculation the Sox might pursue Maddon to take over their rebuilding team from Rick Renteria, the manager the Cubs fired to hire Maddon five years ago.

Maddon made $28 million during his five-year deal with the Cubs but might have to take a pay cut to land a job with one of those other teams.

‘‘There’s going to be a bidding war for his services, and there should be,’’ Cubs president Theo Epstein said during the news conference announcing Maddon’s firing. ‘‘He’s in a great position, and I look forward to his next chapter in baseball and in life.’’