"Guys have to be told they're screwing up" - Legendary Cubs manager Joe Maddon voices concerns about modern-day players

Joe Maddon has been a constant presence in and around the MLB as far as 1975. Although he never made much of a career as a catcher in the Los Angeles Angels organization, he turned to coaching and it changed his legacy forever.

"Happy birthday to Joe Maddon. 471-339 record, 4 playoff appearances, 3 straight NLCS appearances, 1 World Series Title. Greatest manager in Cubs history?" - @ChiSportsDay

It's safe to say with such an extensive amount of experience and time spent in the league, Joe Maddon might be one of the best experts to listen to regarding the changes to the MLB. This is something that concerns Maddon, as the former manager believes that a growing emphasis on individual brands has hurt the way that the game is passed down to each generation.

"Joe Maddon on: The State of MLB Baseball. Obsession w/ analytics is hurting the game, Former players & coaches are being pushed aside, Individual players/brands are replacing the TEAM. Some strong words from a great manager. Is the game devolving or evolving?" - @BaseballIQ_App

"Guys have to be told they're screwing up and doing things wrong," Maddon said on a recent episode of Foul Territory. Maddon explained that he believes sloppy play can happen under even the best instructors, however, players need to be held accountable when they make mistakes.

"The game has devolved to a point where everybody's after their own brand and the show me kind of thing, as opposed to playing this team concept thing that's individualized by the Dodgers, or the Cardinals, or the Pirates," Maddon continued.

Joe Maddon's opinion on the modern game matters based on his stature and experience

A three-time Manager of the Year Award winner, Joe Maddon has seen the game continue to develop throughout his career. After joining the Angels as coach and manager, Maddon went on to establish himself as one of the best in the league with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs. He later returned to the Angels in 2020, eventually managing his final game in 2022.

Maddon is in a unique position to reflect on the modern state of the MLB. Even though he is no longer managing a club, the former Rays manager witnessed the rise of analytics, as well as the game's growing presence on social media. While marketing is as essential as ever with the modern generation, Maddon makes an interesting point regarding the emphasis on personal branding. It's unlikely that things will change any time soon.