After dropping several hints last month that his time with the Cubs was drawing to a close, Theo Epstein will step down as Chicago’s president of baseball operations on November 20, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.
Epstein, 46, helped guide the Cubs to a World Series win in 2016, the organization’s first championship in 108 years. He was able to accomplish something similar during his time with the Red Sox prior to coming to Chicago.
“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,” Epstein said in a prepared statement. “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.”
Following the announcement of Epstein’s departure, it was theorized by many that he may have his eye on a front-office role with the Phillies or Mets.
But in a letter sent today to friends outlining his reasons for leaving the Cubs, Epstein indicated he will not be taking a new position right off the bat.
“Next summer will be my first in 30 years not clocking into work every day at a major league ballpark,” Epstein wrote in the letter, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. “I do plan on having a third chapter leading a baseball organization someday, though I do not expect it to be next year.”
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