Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein returns to Major League Baseball
When Theo Epstein made the decision to step down as President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs earlier this off-season, it was clear that the future was bright for Epstein.
Epstein was the man that broke the curses of both the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. What more could Epstein do? On Thursday, the answer became clear as it was reported that Epstein will be joining Major League Baseball Commissioner’s office as a consultant for on-field play.
Among the reasons why Epstein decided to step down from the Cubs is because he believes that baseball is systemically broken.
Between the lack of marketing for Major League Baseball’s star players; length of play; and the endless tension between Major League Baseball’s Owners and the Major League Baseball Players Association; it has become abundantly clear that the game of baseball is broken.
The first issue that must be resolved is the divide between the Major League Baseball Commissioner’s office and the Major League Baseball players.
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Over the course of the past two seasons, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has not shied away from sharing his thoughts on the game. Between downgrading the importance of the World Series Trophy; the willingness to defund Minor League Baseball; and turning the return of baseball from the COVID-19 Pandemic into a financial incentive; Manfred’s approval rating has been on a steady decline.
Theo Epstein Returns to Major League Baseball
Enter Epstein. If there is one thing that is clear regarding Epstein, it is that he has a clear love and understanding for the game of baseball. Look no further than the restoration that Epstein orchestrated with the Chicago Cubs baseball operations. Epstein brought the Cubs’ baseball operation department into modern times with the utilization of advanced scouting systems, geographical locations of minor league affiliates, and resources into the development of the Minor League Baseball system.
That is the exact mindset that Epstein will need to bring with him as he joins the Major League Baseball Commissioner’s Office. Major League Baseball is stuck in the mindset that this its a game that has it’s primary demographic being our parents and grandparents. That is why there was so much uproar over San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis hitting a grand-slam on a 3-0 pitch while his team had a large lead.
Major League Baseball is tone deaf to the current style of play. Epstein’s voice and ideas as a consultant will mark a much needed step in the right direction.
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Should Theo Epstein be considered as a future candidate to be the next Major League Baseball commissioner? Sound off in the comments section with your thoughts.