Theo Epstein, the architect who helped the franchise win the World Series back in 2016 following a 108 year drop, is officially stepping down from the position he has held for nine seasons.
The Cubs officially announced that general manager Jed Hoyer will take over for Epstein, 46. Epstein’s current contract was set to expire after the 2021 season, and hinted back in October that a decade of service with one organization might be enough for him.
“For the rest of my life, I will cherish having been part of the great Chicago Cubs organization during this historic period,” Epstein said in a statement. “All of the things that have made this experience so special — the fans, the players, the managers and coaches, ownership, my front office colleagues, the uniqueness of the Wrigley experience, the history — make it so tough to leave the Cubs. But I believe this is the right decision for me even if it’s a difficult one. And now is the right time rather than a year from now.
“The organization faces a number of decisions this winter that carry long-term consequences; those types of decisions are best made by someone who will be here for a long period rather than just one more year. Jed has earned this opportunity and is absolutely the right person to take over this baseball operation at such an important time.”
Epstein has been linked to the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies, but has also indicated that he may not be ready to jump back into a role with an organization next year.
