Theo Epstein. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Architect of historic 2004 Red Sox team returning to Beantown

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 2/2/24

The Boston Red Sox are bringing back former general manager Theo Epstein.

The 50-year-old served as the general manager and vice president of the Red Sox for nine seasons from 2002-10, helping guide the franchise to a pair of World Series titles.

Epstein was credited with making the bold decision to deal All-Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra at the 2004 trade deadline, a move that eventually played a part in the team winning the championship that season.

Boston won another World Series in 2007, but it was the 2004 team that is most remembered by Red Sox Nation as that group broke the "Curse of the Bambino."

Breaking: Former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein is returning to Boston as a part owner of Fenway Sports Group and a senior advisor.

More info: https://t.co/BY1D76M0Hz pic.twitter.com/S6OLBUOmCS
— Sportico (@Sportico) February 2, 2024

“The vision is about investing into blue chip brands... that matter a great deal to their supporters and their fan bases,” Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy told @Sportico. “To have Theo as an advisor in that endeavor is a very unique opportunity.”https://t.co/BY1D76M0Hz
— Sportico (@Sportico) February 2, 2024

Though Epstein's new venture won't see him making any personnel decisions or roster moves, the news brought plenty of joy and nostalgic feelings among media and fans alike.

Boston went on to win two more crowns in 2013 under GM Ben Cherington and in 2018 with president David Dombrowski at the helm, but the organization has fallen on hard times since then.

The Red Sox have missed the playoffs in four of the past five seasons and finished in last place in the AL East in three of the past four years. They qualified for the playoffs in 2021 but eventually lost to the Houston Astros in the ALCS.

It's been two decades since the legendary 2004 Red Sox were preparing for their season and few have forgotten Epstein's contributions. Boston is hoping the former Chicago Cubs president (who broke the "Curse of the Billy Goat" in 2016) can bring back some of his magic from the early 21st century.

Having Theo Epstein back in Boston - involved in any form with the FSG/Red Sox - is a great thing! @wbz https://t.co/Zdcew49Thy
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) February 2, 2024

Have always thought that an Epstein/Kennedy-led group could someday own (or at least run) the Sox. Maybe this is the first step toward that.

Theo loves winning and is ultra competitive, we know that. Sox can use a big dose of that energy these days.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 2, 2024