BOSTON — The first time Theo Epstein was dropped upon Red Sox Nation was in March of 2002.
At the initial press conference, introducing the new Red Sox general manager, I asked then team president Larry Lucchino what made him so sure that a 28-year-old could handle the one of the most difficult positions in all of sports, general manager of the Boston Red Sox.
Lucchino said, “He’s 28 and a half!”
Technically, speaking Lucchino lied. Epstein was three months short of 28½, but in due time proved to be the right man, albeit the youngest GM in the four major pro sports.
The next two-plus decades, Epstein helped destroy two of pro sports biggest “jinxes” – Red Sox in 2004, 2007 and Cubs in 2016.
Now, at 50, it was announced last week that he is back in the Red Sox family as a senior advisor and part-owner to Fenway Sports Group.
One of his jobs, apparently, is to advise the Red Sox baseball operations.
And that is a good thing. A really good thing.
While I’m not sure if this is the “full throttle” that Red Sox chairman Tom Werner was referring to early November, the addition of Epstein will quell the swarm, for now, the negativity surrounding the Red Sox heading into the 2024 season.
Much of that negativity has been the lack of any throttling this offseason compared to the rest of the best division in pro sports, the American League East.
The Baltimore Orioles signed a closer, Kimbrel.
The Yankees traded for probable MVP candidate Juan Soto, starting right field Alex Verdugo (Sox got three pitchers, two of which are prospects) and signed starter Marcus Stroman.
The Blue Jays signed a No. 5 starter in Yariel Rodriguez, one of the Red Sox top players in 2023, Justin Turner and middle infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Tampa Bay has made no key additions thus far.
That leaves us with the Red Sox, which signed starting pitcher Lucas Giolito for $38 million over two years.
Giolito’s problem is not Yoshinobu Yamamoto in terms of the “throttling” that was expected, particularly for a team that finished 78-84 in consecutive seasons.
Though there are still a few “names” out there, particularly starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell, both with postseason success on their resumes, the offseason has been a bust in terms of excitement.
Which brings us back to Epstein.
Would he come to Boston and Fenway Sports Group just to get rich?
No.
He is as competitive as Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. He’s proven he will extend himself and his organization to compete for championships.
In a statement, Epstein said:
“This is truly a unique opportunity for me — a chance to partner with people who mean a lot to me; a chance to challenge myself in new arenas; and a chance to use my experience and perspective to help others succeed and win at the highest level. The special connection I feel toward this organization and the ownership group has stayed with me through the years.”
This is great news, this partnership between Red Sox owner John Henry and Epstein.
New Red Sox baseball operations head Craig Breslow will have someone to answer to who understands what lies ahead. He also has someone, who also happens to be his former boss with the Cubs, that can add value to 2024 and beyond.
The Red Sox didn’t trade for Shoei Ohtani or sign a big-time free agent, thus 2024 expectations will not be high.
I know this might not be what fans want to hear with the Orioles, Yankees, Rays and Blue Jays all appearing to be better in the short term.
But Red Sox just got better. and if I had to guess the best is yet to come.
You can email Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.