Theo Epstein stepped in as Cubs president of baseball operations

CHICAGO – After overseeing a golden era of baseball on Chicago’s North Side, where a World Series victory was experienced for the first time in more than a century, Theo Epstein from his post in the team’s front office Has decided to withdraw. Cubs announced

CHICAGO – After overseeing a golden era of baseball on Chicago’s North Side, where a World Series victory was experienced for the first time in more than a century, Theo Epstein from his post in the team’s front office Has decided to withdraw.

The Cubs announced on Tuesday that Epstein would leave the organization and his role as president of baseball operations, effective Friday. General manager Zaid Hoyer, who is in discussions with the Cubs over a contract extension, will replace Epstein as head of baseball operations.

“For the rest of my life, I will be a part of the great Chicago Cubs organization in this historic period,” Epstein said in a statement. “The things that have made this experience so special are – fans, players, managers and coaches, ownership, my front office mates, the uniqueness of the Wrigley experience, the history – it’s so hard to leave the Cubs.

“But I believe this is the right decision for me, even if it is a difficult one. And now is the right time instead of a year.”

Epstein’s decision came as he was entering the final year of a five-year extension that put his future in doubt with the Cubs. Instead of planning a transition to the next progeny, Epstein now opted to step aside, allowing Hoyer – his longtime GM – Chicago to enter his next phase.

• Epstein does not chase Phils, Mets jobs (source)

Both Cubs chairman Tom Rickets and Epstein are scheduled to meet with the media on Tuesday afternoon.

“The timing is right for many reasons,” Rickets said in a statement. “And most importantly, we’re both thrilled that Zaid is the man to succeed Theo. We have had the most successful period in more than a century under Theo’s leadership, and we’ve given this organization and every city Grateful for the thing. “

Both Epstein and Hoyer joined the Cubs prior to the 2012 campaign and began a difficult reconstruction of the historic franchise. His efforts culminated in the 2016 World Series Championship, ending the team’s 108-year drought. This was when Epstein and Hoyer brought the World Series of Shaan to the Red Sox (2004 and ’07), when Boston had not won since 1918.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work with Theo for 17 of the last 19 years,” Hoyer said. “I could not have been a better mentor or a more loyal and reliable friend. He has already replaced two-story franchises with his passion, creativity, intelligence and leadership. I have no question that the next chapters in his career are similar. Will be effectively. Influential. “

Since 2015, the Cubs have reached the playoffs in five six years, won three National League Central titles (most recently in 2020) and reached the NL Championship Series three times.

“Zaid has earned this opportunity and is the perfect person to handle this baseball operation at such a critical time,” Epstein said. “I am grateful to everyone with the Cubs: to the Ricketts family as well as their loyalty to the occasion; to the fans for their support and to the depth of their emotional connection with the team; to the players, coaches, staff Le; for their friendship, excellence and dedication my front office colleagues regularly help us meet our initial goals of October Baseball and the World Championship. “