Report: Epstein may pursue ownership role after Cubs exit

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 Theo Epstein's work in Chicago is done.

The Cubs' longtime president of baseball operations will step down from his role Friday after nine seasons with the team that included the franchise's first World Series title since 1908 in 2016.

Epstein has successfully reversed two curses after guiding the Boston Red Sox to a 2004 World Series championship as general manager. So, where will he work his magic next?

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Jayson Stark, the 46-year-old may not take another executive job -- because he may have bigger plans.

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Both the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies have interest in hiring Epstein, per Rosenthal and Stark, but "there is no guarantee Epstein will want to return in a similar role."

"The more likely path for Epstein might be to form an ownership group with like-minded people and/or longtime associates, then attempt to purchase a club," Rosenthal and Stark write.

This wouldn't be the most shocking path for Epstein, who has had plenty of success over the past two decades running baseball operations for the Red Sox and Cubs and may be looking for a new challenge.

Boston fans might wonder if Epstein would make a run at buying the Red Sox from principal owner John Henry, who is also heavily invested in the Premier League soccer club Liverpool. 

Rosenthal and Stark noted Epstein likely won't join any club this offseason, though, and it's possible he could take some time off before returning to baseball -- if he even returns to baseball at all.

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