Joe Maddon only learned of the opt-out clause in his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays when the front office was obligated to inform him of the exit window in his contract.

"Matt [Silverman] called me originally, because I was totally unaware of it, I didn't know," Maddon said. "And then I knew. And once I had a chance to evaluate it I was able to make up my mind for what we're doing now. It wasn't easy. There's a two-week window there to look at it and then make a decision."

Maddon opted to leave the Rays, essentially making himself a free agent.

Silverman, now the club's president, was surprised and disappointed about Maddon's decision. He also said that he felt like the offer they made to Maddon had been a fair and competitive one.

"I know that Matthew reached out and they came up with an offer," Maddon said. "It did not meet up to what I [wanted] and we came to an impasse. And that happens. There's no friction between me and him or me and [principal owner] Stu [Sternberg]. I had great conversations with Matthew and Stu, they were very candid and open. I felt good about it moving forward. I hope they don't feel betrayed, because I don't feel betrayed by the offer."