CHICAGO -- Calling it a matter of “timing" Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts indicated he and President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein are “on the same page” in regards to a contract extension for the Cubs executive.
“We talk every day,” Ricketts said at Joe Maddon’s ‘Thanksmas’ event feeding the homeless on Wednesday night. “(We’re) on the same page.”
Epstein’s five-year deal with the team runs out after the 2016 season but indications are that he’ll get an extension sooner rather than later. The former Boston Red Sox head man has rebuilt the Cubs through trades and high draft picks while adding some key free agent signings over the past two winters in the form of Jon Lester, Jason Heyward, John Lackey and Ben Zobrist. The Cubs made the playoffs in 2015 for the first time since 2008 as Epstein saw his rebuilding plans come to fruition. Now they have their sights set on breaking their long championship drought.
Epstein has said repeatedly he only thinks about a new contract when he’s asked about it from reporters. Ricketts indicated there would be no announcement on an extension by this weekend’s fan convention.
