HEADLINE

Theo Epstein joins MLB as consultant

Field Level Media

January 14, 2021 at 7:13 pm.

Former Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs executive Theo Epstein joined Major League Baseball as a consultant for on-field matters on Thursday.

He will be working with baseball analytics experts to determine the likely effects of contemplated rule changes, according to a league news release.

“Theo is one of the most accomplished and thoughtful people in our sport,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in the release. “I am grateful that he has accepted our invitation to complement our ongoing efforts and provide his insights on making the best game in the world even better for the next generation of fans.”

Epstein, 47, stepped down as president of baseball operations for the Cubs in November.

He was the architect of the Cubs’ World Series title in 2016, the club’s first in 108 years. Prior to joining the Cubs, Epstein engineered the end of an 86-year World Series drought in Boston as the Red Sox rolled to titles in 2004 and 2007.

“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 Manfred asking me to be a part of these important conversations,” Epstein said. “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.”