Theo Epstein 'Focused' on Cubs Amid Rumors of Red Sox Return

The 2019 campaign has been a disappointing one for Chicago Cubs fans, but they can at least take solace knowing president of baseball operations Theo Epstein isn't going back to the Boston Red Sox.

"I'm here [with the Cubs]," Epstein said Wednesday, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. "We have a lot we need to work on to get back to the level we're accustomed to. I'm invested in that. That's what I'm focused on."

Rogers noted the Red Sox—where Epstein worked as a general manager from 2002 through 2011—has an opening in the front office after they fired president Dave Dombrowski, but Epstein and Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer have not shown interest in the position.

"I have really good relationships with a lot of people there and certainly wish them the best," Epstein said.

It is rare someone in a baseball front office is a household name, even among casual fans, but Epstein fits the bill as someone who helped build the roster that broke the two most famous World Series droughts in the sport.

His Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, snapping a championship-less streak that dated back to 1918. Then, his Cubs won the Fall Classic in 2016 and broke a drought that went back to 1908.

He will surely be a coveted name if and when he leaves the Cubs, where he has two years remaining on an extension he signed following that championship.

Epstein is facing a critical offseason in Chicago's North Side after the team missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 campaign. Manager Joe Maddon's contract ends at the conclusion of this season, and the president of baseball operations said he is "going to keep that between me and Joe" when asked about a timeline for a decision.

What's more, outfielder Nick Castellanos and starting pitcher Cole Hamels are among those players who are set for unrestricted free agency. Castellanos has been a rare bright spot for the team after it acquired him via trade from the Detroit Tigers, and Hamels is an experienced piece of the rotation who struggled down the stretch.

The Cubs fell short of expectations this year, and Epstein will surely look to make a number of changes before the 2020 season. It seems clear any rumors about reuniting with Boston will not serve as distractions given his comments.