Theo Epstein Close to Deal With Cubs

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Oct 12, 2011 3:20PM

Hired by the Boston Red Sox as a 28-year-old wunderkind, general manager Theo Epstein put the pieces together that helped Boston break their 86-year curse by winning a World Series title in 2004 and again in 2007, Boston won another. But can Theo Epstein work his magic again... this time with the Cubs?

Two sources report that a deal could be announced in as soon as 24 hours that would have Epstein replacing Jim Hendry in the Cubs' front office, apparently with a job bigger than his current current title of executive vice president/general manager. The reported deal in place could earn Epstein $15 million over five years. The remaining hold-up appears to be compensation for the Red Sox in return for releasing Epstein from his contract.

Epstein was atop Tom Ricketts' shopping list when he let Hendry go back in August, but at the time actually landing the Boston-native seemed about as likely as the Cubs winning it all. After the Red Sox's collapse in September cost them a berth in the playoffs, the team parted ways with skipper Terry Francona and rumors of Theo's departure have been circulated ever since. While it sounds as if John Henry and the rest of the Red Sox ownership want Epstein to remain, sources have suggested Epstein felt it was time to move on and seek new challenges. And in baseball, there's no bigger one than trying to bring a World Series trophy back to Wrigley Field.