Major League Baseball today announced that former Red Sox general manager and president of Cubs baseball operations, Theo Epstein, has joined the commissioner’s office as a consultant to Rob Manfred. Specifically, Epstein will focus his efforts on “field issues”, including (but presumably not limited to) the effects that the proposed changes to the rules would bring. Bruce Levine from 670 The Score first reported (via Twitter) that Epstein, who left his post with the Cubs earlier this winter, would be appointed to the new post. Epstein took the interest out of other clubs that were interested in hiring him for a new job in baseball operations.
“Theo is one of the most talented and caring people in our sport,” said Commissioner Manfred in a statement announcing the news. “I am grateful that he accepted our invitation to complement our ongoing efforts and provide his insights on how to make the best game in the world even better for the next generation of fans.”
Ever since Epstein left his position with the Cubs, there has been speculation about him eventually taking a position in the league. Epstein acknowledged at the time that he played an inadvertent role in undermining the sport’s aesthetics, helping to pioneer an analytical drive that restricted action in the game. He is also often an advocate of expanding the game’s reach and appeal. Some have suggested that Epstein himself may even be a possible successor to Manfred, although Manfred’s current contract is valid until the 2024 season.
“It is an honor to assist the efforts of the Major League Baseball and the Competition Committee to improve the product on the pitch, and I thank Commissioner Manfred for asking me to be part of these important conversations,” said Epstein in his own prepared statement. “As the game evolves, we are all interested in making sure that the changes we see on the pitch make the game as fun and action-packed as possible for fans, while preserving everything that makes baseball so special. I look forward to working with stakeholders across the industry to help us collectively navigate towards the best version of our game. “
There is no indication yet whether this is a temporary position or a gateway to a more permanent position within the commissioner’s office. Epstein said that when he walked away from the Cubs and rejected interest in new baseball operations ventures, he hoped to spend more time with his family. Your status as a league consultant will keep you involved in the game, but it will give you more time at home. Presumably, given Epstein’s track record, other clubs will be calling in the coming seasons, whether he’s under contract or not – but his status as a consultant at least leaves the door open for a return to a club’s board at some point.