Every year The Athletic runs a poll among MLB players. Not sure how many players are part of the poll, but they ask them questions on best pitcher, best hitter, most overrated, manager you'd most like to play for, etc.
For the past 2 years Maddon has been the overwhelming #1 pick for 'manager you'd most like to play for', but also has been #2 for 'manager you'd least like to play for'
Big personality but like Tito, the track record is there. I agree that in the event Tito were to step down, Maddon would be a great replacement- especially as the Indians are in a period of shifting towards younger players.