More details and discussion to come, but on with your dancing! (See Updates below.)
#Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts announces the team and President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein have agreed to a five-year extension. pic.twitter.com/fksXbyl4K5
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 28, 2016
Early indications from Bruce Levine are that Epstein’s deal will surpass that of top Dodgers exec Andrew Friedman, who reportedly receives $8 million annually.
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UPDATE: It’s not just Epstein:
Not only does Theo Epstein have a new five-year deal with the Cubs, but GM Jed Hoyer and personnel ace Jason McLeod have extensions as well.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 28, 2016
That. Is. Awesome.
And the timing there, given the closeness of the trio, makes you wonder if the only thing holding up the finalization of the contract for Epstein was the opportunity for him to secure a nice long deal for McLeod, too, if he didn’t wind up with, for example, the Twins.
UPDATE 2: The Cubs have released a statement from Chairman and Owner Tom Ricketts:
“In the five years under Theo’s leadership, he has brought in a strong executive team and acquired and developed some of the best players in the game. Now, the results are on the field. My family and I have no doubt that we have moved closer to our goal of delivering Cubs fans the World Series Championship they deserve,” Ricketts said, adding that the contract “ensures the baseball operations team assembled by Epstein will continue its remarkable tenure of building a consistent championship contender.”
“Both on the baseball and business sides, I believe we have the best leadership in the league and we are well positioned for sustained success,” said Ricketts.
Shoutout to Tom Ricketts, who still doesn't get enough credit for the process and commitment that led to getting Epstein in the first place.
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) September 28, 2016
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