CHICAGO (AP) — Theo Epstein is stepping down after nine seasons as the Chicago Cubs' president of baseball operations. The team announced Epstein is leaving the organization, and general manager Jed Hoyer is being promoted to take his place. Epstein transformed the long-suffering Cubs and helped bring home a drought-busting championship in 2016. He said after the season he anticipated remaining on the job for at least one more year, with his contract set to expire in 2021. Epstein said in a statement Tuesday he will “cherish” his time with the Cubs and said it was simply time to make a change.

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