Theo Epstein reaches agreement with Chicago Cubs, reports say

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Theo Epstein, the man who built the Boston Red Sox roster that won two recent World Series titles after an 86-year drought, will now take on an even greater task -- helping the Chicago Cubs win their first championship in more than a century.

Epstein and the Cubs have agreed to a deal that is three or five years in length and worth somewhere between $15 million and $20 million, according to multiple sources.

The Cubs will reportedly pick up the conclusion bonus of Epstein’s deal with the Red Sox, which still has a year remaining. Boston will receive prospects and/or cash as compensation, but no major league players would be part of the deal, according to ESPN.com.

Epstein’s title in his nine years with the Red Sox was executive vice president/general manager -- he is said to be seeking something that extends beyond that role with the Cubs.

Jim Hendry, the only general manager to lead the Cubs to the postseason three times, was dismissed by the team in August. Cubs owner Tom Ricketts is said to have had his eye on Epstein from the start. The two men met last week, and team President Crane Kenney met with Epstein over the weekend.

Epstein was the youngest GM in baseball when he was hired by the Red Sox and now he faces tremendous pressure to reverse another team’s misfortunes. The Cubs haven’t won the World Series since 1908 and have not been to the series since 1945.

Red Sox Assistant GM Ben Cherington looks to be the likely replacement for Epstein.

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-- Chuck Schilken

The Sports Xchange contributed to this report.

Video: Cinesport