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Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein is stepping away from his job. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

MLB world reacts to Theo Epstein leaving Chicago Cubs

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 11/17/20

In what has to be considered some shocking news, Theo Epstein has opted to leave the Chicago Cubs after spending the better part of the past decade as the team’s president and front office head.

The Cubs made the announcement via social media on Tuesday, ending Epstein’s largely successful run as the team’s head player personnel man.

Theo Epstein will step down from his role as President of Baseball Operations effective Nov. 20 and depart the organization after nine seasons.

Jed Hoyer, who joined the club in Nov. 2011 as Executive VP/General Manager, will be named President of Baseball Operations. pic.twitter.com/SDeF826SFH
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 17, 2020

This seems to have come completely out of left field. Since joining the Cubs back in October of 2011, Epstein has overseen one of the most-successful teams in MLB. His moves led to a World Series title for the Cubs back in 2016, their first championship in nearly a century.

All said, Chicago earned five playoff appearances in Theo Epstein’s final six seasons leading its front office. It’s also now being reported that current general manager Jed Hoyer will take over the president’s role with the Cubs.

There’s obviously going to be rumors that Theo Epstein could ultimately head to the New York Mets under new owner Steve Cohen.

Remember, the Mets fired longtime general manager Brodie Van Wagenen hours after Cohen’s purchase became official. That’s where we start in looking at the top reactions to Tuesday’s monumental Epstein news.

Hearing the logical landing spot for Theo Epstein is indeed the Mets, per a source with knowledge of the situation. While the relationship with Sandy Alderson is unknown, he is friendly with Steve Cohen
— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) November 17, 2020

Close friends of Theo Epstein have insisted he’s not interested in filling the vacancies with the #Mets or #Phillies at this time
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 17, 2020

Source: Theo Epstein intends to take the upcoming season off. He’s not resigning in order to pursue a position with the Mets or Phillies. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 17, 2020

In a letter sent today to friends, Theo Epstein outlined his reasons for leaving the Cubs. As far as him going to the Mets or Phillies, though — well, this is from the letter: "Next summer will be my first in 30 years not clocking into work every day at a major league ballpark."
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 17, 2020

Potential ownership for Epstein has also been bandied about after he takes a year off.

Epstein has told friends previously that his next step after the #Cubs would be to try to run a team from the top — with a piece of ownership. Not something he is likely to get with the #Phillies or #Mets.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 17, 2020

Theo Epstein plans to take a year off and then could emerge with an ownership group or even a potential expansion franchise like Nashville if he stays in baseball
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 17, 2020

Regardless, the reactions were aplenty.

Theo Epstein is one of the greatest living Americans.
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) November 17, 2020

I seriously cannot believe Theo Epstein will no longer be running the Cubs. I knew this day would come eventually – and I knew it could come soon – but I don't like it.

Hoyer is a great replacement, cut from the same cloth, but Theo Epstein is Theo Epstein.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) November 17, 2020