Chicago Cubs: How the franchise has changed their course

Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein to the rescue

In October 2012, the Cubs formally announced the hiring of former Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. The contract for Epstein was a five-year deal, valued at $18.5 million.

Following his recruitment, Epstein took over the position of president of baseball operations and decided to hire Jed Hoyer, whom Epstein had worked with in Boston, as the new GM. The deal for signing Epstein included two players the Cubs sent back to Boston, pitcher Chris Carpenter and Aaron Kurcz.

The first club manager under the Theo era was Dale Sveum. Sveum, however, struggled mightily in his two seasons, posting finishing records of 61-101 and 66-96, respectively. In 2014, Rick Renteria was tasked to run the team. He lasted all of one season, finishing with a 73-89 record before being let go.

The team culture started to shift, however, with Theo at the helm. After setting the goal in bringing a World Championship to the Windy City, Epstein decided on a complete breakdown and rebuild of the team.