Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein is close to joining the
Chicago Cubs, the Boston Herald reported, citing people familiar with
the situation.
The Red Sox want to keep Epstein or receive compensation from the Cubs if he chooses to leave, the Herald said. It was unclear whether Boston would want money, a Major League Baseball player or a combination of the two for Epstein, the newspaper said.
Epstein, 37, joined the Red Sox in 2002, becoming the youngest general manager in baseball history at the age of 28. The Red Sox won World Series in 2004 and 2007 and made the playoffs in six of his nine seasons.
The Red Sox blew a nine-game lead for the American League wild-card spot in the final month of play this season. Manager Terry Francona left after Boston failed to make the playoffs.
