Good morning afternoon, Athletics Nation!
In October, reports broke that Billy Beane might soon leave the Oakland A’s to focus on other non-baseball ventures. It’s not a done deal, but in 2021 we could be looking at a world in which Beane isn’t part of the A’s front office after three decades in the organization — and over 20 years as either the general manager or the Vice President of Baseball Ops.
On Tuesday, another MLB team finds themselves in a similar situation. The Chicago Cubs announced that Theo Epstein is stepping down from his position as President of Baseball Ops at the end of the week.
After helping the Boston Red Sox win two championships (as their GM) and bust the 86-year-old Curse of the Bambino, Epstein took over the Cubs in 2011. He then led Chicago to break their own Curse of the Billy Goat and ultimately win their first World Series in 108 years. And he’s still only 46 years old.
However, despite his success in Chicago, Epstein has spoken in the past about the importance of not staying in one job for too long, so it’s not a surprise to see him move on after nearly a decade with the same team. In his place, longtime right-hand man Jed Hoyer will move up from GM-slash-VP to fill the role of President, establishing a new leader at a key forward-thinking moment as the Cubs enter a rebuilding phase.
Looking forward, whereas Beane is rumored to be leaving baseball front offices entirely, Epstein could yet wind up in a new city to take on a new challenge. But that won’t happen this year, reports insider Jon Morosi, as Epstein wants to take the 2021 season off.
Theo Epstein will step down from his role as President of Baseball Operations effective Nov. 20 and depart the organization after nine seasons.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 17, 2020
Jed Hoyer, who joined the club in Nov. 2011 as Executive VP/General Manager, will be named President of Baseball Operations. pic.twitter.com/SDeF826SFH
For statements from Theo, Jed, and the Cubs owner, click here for Bleed Cubbie Blue or see the tweet below. You can also watch full video of their subsequent press conference.
Statements from Tom Ricketts, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer: pic.twitter.com/rn1N3SdGT9
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 17, 2020
Al Yellon of Bleed Cubbie Blue has more thoughts on the matter. MLB’s site calls Epstein a superstar in his field.
A’s Coverage
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MLB News & Interest
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- Today in Baseball History
Best of Twitter
Question for the comments: Who would play Epstein and Youkilis in the movie adaptation?
Theo Epstein resigning from the Cubs to then join an ownership group where he buys the A's and makes Kevin Youkilis a member of his front office (and official ballpark beer supplier) would be an interesting "Moneyball the Sequel" storyline. pic.twitter.com/NAv9Ne5ZPL
— Melissa Lockard (@melissalockard) November 17, 2020
Skeeters get a promotion
Sources: The #Astros have reached an agreement with the ownership of the Sugar Land Skeeters to name the @SL_Skeeters their Triple-A affiliate. The Astros will also have an ownership stake in the Skeeters franchise.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) November 17, 2020
No-no in the Dominican League!
No hitter in the DWL tonight https://t.co/5w28aYumiu
— Melissa Lockard (@melissalockard) November 17, 2020
Featuring a couple familiar names
Bruce Maxwell was behind the plate for Los Toros. Luis Barrera almost beat out an infield hit late the game for Licey but he was out by a step.
— Melissa Lockard (@melissalockard) November 17, 2020
This isn’t from the same game, but here’s a live baseball highlight to help keep you warm in November
#Rays and MLB top prospect Wander Franco shows off the defense with @EscogidoBBClub pic.twitter.com/gHyRlhlpQ2
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) November 17, 2020
This isn’t sports but it’s technically exercise, so that’s close enough
I love New York... pic.twitter.com/0z5uaf9iTO
— Rex Chapman (@RexChapman) November 17, 2020