The Chicago Cubs have fired Rick Renteria and hired Joe Maddon as manager.

Theo Epstein released a statement praising Renteria while indicating Maddon's availability was too enticing to pass up.

"Last Thursday, we learned that Joe Maddon -- who may be as well suited as anyone in the industry to manage the challenges that lie ahead of us -- had become a free agent," Epstein said.

"We saw it as a unique opportunity and faced a clear dilemma: be loyal to Rick or be loyal to the organization. In this business of trying to win a world championship for the first time in 107 years, the organization has priority over any one individual. We decided to pursue Joe."