Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein has Hall of Fame resume

As Theo Epstein walks away from the Chicago Cubs, his Hall of Fame credentials should not be in question.

The Chicago Cubs are facing a transitionary period. Virtually every veteran player on the roster can be had in trade, although the price will not be cheap depending on the target. As the roster is being blown up, the front office is also undergoing a shakeup with Theo Epstein departing from his role as the Cubs president of baseball operations.

Although he is just 46 years old, Epstein’s Hall of Fame credentials are without reproach. He has been one of the more successful executives in the game, ending two of the more storied ‘curses’ in major league history.

Epstein had likely set the stage for his enshrinement based on his time with the Red Sox alone with their victory in the 2004 World Series. He had the nerve to pull off what was a wildly unpopular trade at the time, sending fan favorite Nomar Garciaparra to the Cubs as part of a four team deal. That trade broke the team out of their doldrums, setting the stage for Boston to finally take home their first championship since 1918.

He added another title during his time as the Red Sox general manager. Boston also won the championship in 2007, further cementing Epstein as a legend in the city. However, seeking other challenges, he departed the Red Sox, joining the Cubs as their president.

At the time, the Cubs were a disaster. They were a losing franchise with a barren farm system, having little hope for future success. Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer put the franchise through a complete rebuild, targeting young players that could be a part of the future. The Cubs returned to the postseason in 2015, and broke their own curse the following year, winning the World Series for the first time in 108 years.

And now, Epstein says that he wants to take a year off before embarking on his next challenge. There are thoughts that he could look to become part of an ownership group, or work towards bringing a franchise to Nashville. One thing is certain – no matter what the future holds, Epstein’s legacy is secure.

Theo Epstein is walking away from the Chicago Cubs in search of his next challenge. No matter where that path takes him, he is destined to be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame.