Breaking: Theo to Join Commissioner’s Office

Breaking News: Former Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations, Theo Epstein is set to join the MLB Commissioner’s Office as a consultant. He will assist in “on-field matters” providing a trusted source to the commissioner.

Per the announcement (below) it appears Theo would be responsible for digesting analytics when MLB looks to incorporate new rules. So, of MLB were to change policy around the shift, or DH, or even extra-inning rules, it would be Theo’s responsibility to compile the data, look to the impact on the game, and communicate this information to every organization and the league’s offices.

Essentially, Theo’s thumbprints will leave a lasting impression on the game of baseball for decades to come.

This would be a step up, and put him more involved in baseball operations from a league-wide perspective. This is something many suspected he might be looking for. This also allows him to mostly remain out of the daily grind of running a baseball team, while being connected to the game. Perhaps most notably, this puts him in the Commissioner’s Office and could possibly set him up as a potential heir apparent for when Rob Manfred retires.

MLB set to announce later today, Bruce Levine first with the news.

Theo Epstein: "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.''

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 14, 2021

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This press release suggests that Theo would be in charge of rules that could affect things like the shift, three-batter minimums, extra inning rules, DH rules, and potentially implementation of robo-umps and things of that nature.

Ahem, check your back Rob.