MLB hires Theo Epstein as consultant

Reports surfaced in November that three-time World Series winning executive Theo Epstein was going to take a year off after he stepped down as head of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs. 

However, Major League Baseball confirmed on Thursday that commissioner Rob Manfred has hired Epstein to serve as a consultant for on-the-field matters, such as potential rules changes. 

“Theo is one of the most accomplished and thoughtful people in our sport," Manfred said in the prepared statement. "I am grateful that he has accepted our invitation to complement our ongoing efforts and provide his insights on making the best game in the world even better for the next generation of fans.”

It's assumed Epstein will advise Manfred on issues such as pace-of-play and overall entertainment value, as well as how to improve the sport in the eyes of younger audiences.

“It is an honor to assist the efforts by Major League Baseball and the Competition Committee to improve the on-field product, and I appreciate Commissioner Manfred asking me to be a part of these important conversations," Epstein added. "As the game evolves, we all have an interest in ensuring the changes we see on the field make the game as entertaining and action-packed as possible for the fans, while preserving all that makes baseball so special. I look forward to working with interested parties throughout the industry to help us collectively navigate toward the very best version of our game.”

Epstein guided the Boston Red Sox to World Series championships in 2004 and 2007. As Chicago president of baseball operations, he became the architect for the Cubs roster that won the title in 2016.