Change is likely for the Cubs’ roster following their swift elimination from the postseason by the Marlins, but there may be more change coming on the North Side.
Cubs president Theo Epstein will meet with chairman Tom Ricketts next week to discuss the long-term plan for the baseball operations department, according to a report by NBC Sports Chicago.
According to the report, Epstein will likely leave after his contract expires next season, but could leave his role as soon as this year with the team finding a new head of baseball operations.
Epstein, who is entering the final year of a five-year deal, is scheduled to meet with the media on Monday for his season-ending press conference. Former manager Joe Maddon managed the final year of his contract without an extension before the two sides parted ways at the end of the season.
Epstein has been president of baseball operations since signing his original deal back in October 2011 and has been in charge of the organization’s overhaul, becoming one of MLB’s most innovative and respected front offices in Major League Baseball.
With three World Series titles and industry-wide respect, he would be the top candidate for any job in baseball if the time came for him to leave the organization. Epstein has always believed that change is needed after 10 years and he would reach the end of that timeline following the 2021 season.
Epstein’s skill set could make him a perfect fit to run Major League Baseball as its next commissioner, if he ever wanted to do it. Rob Manfred’s inability to connect with players, fans and lack of communication skills have come to light over his tenure in the role. Epstein has shown an ability to have a pulse on what’s going on within the game and outside of it.
But with all of his success as an executive and his background, it wouldn’t be a surprise if his next challenge isn’t even associated with baseball.
