With reports surfacing that Theo Epstein has accepted the Chicago Cubs offer to become their next general manager, many are left wondering who will fill his shoes in Boston. It appears the wait will not last long. Many around the league anticipate that the Red Sox will hand over the reins to current assistant general manager Ben Cherington.
Cherington has been with the Red Sox organization since 1999, after coming over from the Cleveland Indians. The 37-year-old has filled most of the Red Sox front office roles, ranging from scout to co-general manager. Cherington and Jed Hoyer acted as top assistants for Epstein before Hoyer left to take over as the general manager of the San Diego Padres in 2009. That year, Cherington was named senior vice president and assistant GM.
Michael Silver of the Boston Herald believes that Cherington is the obvious option if the Red Sox are looking for a smooth transition into the post-Epstein era. Cherington certainly has the necessary experience, as he’s interviewed for several GM jobs in the past. He understands how the Red Sox organization was built and is seen as someone who can continue that mostly successful tradition.
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