(670 The Score) Former Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has joined the MLB commissioner’s office, a source said Thursday. He’ll be a consultant regarding on-field matters, the league later said in formally revealing the news.
Epstein is well-respected throughout the game and has often spoken genuinely about helping grow the sport. Whether this role is a stopgap position for him before taking on other endeavors or a path to a bigger role with MLB remains to be seen.
In his new role, Epstein will work with baseball analytics experts from the commissioner’s office and the clubs "to determine the likely effects of various contemplated rule changes," MLB said in a statement.
“It is an honor to assist the efforts by Major League Baseball and the competition committee to improve the on-field product, and I appreciate commissioner (Rob) Manfred asking me to be a part of these important conversations," Epstein said in a statement. "As the game evolves, we all have an interest in ensuring the changes we see on the field make the game as entertaining and action-packed as possible for the fans, while preserving all that makes baseball so special. I look forward to working with interested parties throughout the industry to help us collectively navigate toward the very best version of our game.”
Epstein led the Cubs for nine seasons, joining them in late 2011 and stepping down this past November. He was the architect of their 2016 team that won the World Series, ending the franchise’s 108-year championship drought.
He's one of only five executives ever to lead multiple organizations to World Series wins, as he was also the architect of the Red Sox teams that won titles in 2004 and 2007.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.