Report: Theo Epstein stepping down as Cubs president of baseball operations

The Chicago Cubs are making a big move as the 2020-2021 MLB offseason picks up steam. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein is stepping down from his role effective November 20 and will be replaced by Jed Hoyer, according to Sahadev Sharma.

Epstein and Hoyer both joined the Cubs in October 2011. Epstein came over from the Boston Red Sox to serve as President and Hoyer came over from the San Diego Padres to serve as general manager. In their nine seasons at the helm, the Cubs won their first World Series since 1908 when they beat the Cleveland Indians in 7 games in 2016.

Hoyer started his MLB career in 2002, when he joined the Red Sox as assistant to the general manager. In 2005, he was promoted to assistant general manager. He interviewed for multiple GM jobs during his time in Boston before being named Padres GM in October 2009.

There are rumors Epstein might take over the baseball operations department of the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Mets. USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale is reporting “[c]lose friends of Theo Epstein have insisted he’s not interested in” either team’s vacancy “at this time.” Make of that what you will.