Epstein steps down as Cubs president of baseball ops

*Photo from ESPN*

   Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has announced he will be stepping down from that position and leaving the Cubs, effective November 20, according to The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma. Epstein was responsible for helping the Cubs end their 108 year title drought, as the Cubs won it all in 2016, for the first time since 1908. 

   Epstein said in a statement that "For the rest of my life, I will cherish having been part of the great Chicago Cubs organization during this historic period, all of the things that have made this experience so special -- the fans, the players, the managers and coaches, ownership, my front office colleagues, the uniqueness of the Wrigley experience, the history -- make it so tough to leave the Cubs. But I believe this is the right decision for me, even if it’s a difficult one. And now is the right time rather than a year from now."

   The Cubs confirmed the resignation by Epstein shortly after the news broke. Current Cubs GM and executive vice president Jed Hoyer is set to become the new president of baseball operations, and Hoyer is finalizing a contract extension with the Cubs. Epstein's resignation comes in the final year of a 5 year extension he signed with the Cubs after the world series win in 2016.

   Hoyer said of working under Epstein that "I have been so fortunate to work alongside Theo for 17 of the last 19 years, I could not have had a better mentor or a more loyal and trusted friend. He has already changed two storied franchises with his passion, creativity, intellect and leadership. I have no question that the next chapters in his career will be equally impressive and impactful." 

   Since 2015, under Epstein's guidance, the Cubs made the playoffs 5 years out of 6, winning 3 NL Central titles, getting to the NLCS 3 times, and winning the ever-important world series in 2016. Epstein previously helped the Boston Red Sox break their 86 year title drought in 2004, while also capturing a title in 2007, helping kickstart an age of 4 Red Sox titles in 15 years, the most recent in 2018.