Epstein steps down as Cubs president; Hoyer named
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[November 18, 2020]
Theo Epstein, the executive who
brought a World Series title to Chicago after a century-long
drought, has stepped down as president of baseball operations for
the Cubs and will be replaced by Jed Hoyer, the team said Tuesday.
Epstein, 46, was the architect of the Cubs' World Series title in
2016, the club's first in 108 years. Epstein was entering the final
year of his contract and leaves after nine seasons.
"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
said.
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts announced Tuesday that this potential move
had been discussed over the last several years.
"Theo and I have been communicating about this possible
move for a couple of years, and we have been working together toward a
transition that makes sense for the Cubs and for him," Ricketts said.
"The timing is right for a number of reasons, and most importantly we
are both thrilled that Jed is the person succeeding Theo. We have had
our most successful period in over a century under Theo's leadership,
and we are grateful for everything he has given to this organization and
this city.
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Chicago Cubs President
of. baseball operations Theo Epstein is interviewed by media before
the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates at
Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
"Jed has been a big part of that success, too, and offers a
combination of continuity and a fresh perspective that will serve us
well as we look forward to another period of sustained success."
Epstein, who officially departs on Nov. 20, plans to take the
upcoming season off. He is not leaving to take the top job of the
New York Mets or Philadelphia Phillies, per multiple reports.
"Next summer will be my first in 30 years not clocking into work
every day at a major league ballpark," Epstein wrote in a letter to
friends about his decision, ESPN reported.
Hoyer joined the club in 2011 as general manager.
Prior to joining the Cubs, Epstein engineered the end of an 86-year
World Series drought in Boston as the Red Sox rolled to titles in
2004 and 2007.
--Field Level Media
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