Red Sox

Theo Epstein speaks on new role as Fenway Sports Group senior advisor

"There’s still a lot of winning left to be done out there.”

By Conor Ryan

April 8, 2024

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Email
• 3

Theo Epstein is back at Fenway Park. Well, in some capacity.

The former Red Sox general manager and future Hall-of-Fame MLB executive may not be involved in the day-to-day operations of Boston’s baseball club, but as a part-owner and senior advisor to Fenway Sports Group’s several holdings, Epstein will have some sway over the trajectory of the team that he helped win two World Series in 2004 and 2007.

Epstein, who will also advise FSG on other holdings like Liverpool Football Club, the Pittsburgh Penguins, RFK Racing, TGL’s Boston Common Golf, and the PGA Tour, is back in Boston as part of the 20th anniversary celebration for the 2004 World Series team.

Epstein and the rest of that history-making grouping will be honored as part of Boston’s home-opener festivities on Tuesday at Fenway Park. 

Speaking to reporters at a roundtable event benefiting his own foundation (The Foundation To Be Named Later), Epstein discussed his return to the Red Sox and his new role within FSG.

“The new gig is great. It has been fun. Really comfortable, familiar,” Epstein said. “Picking up right where I left off. The close relationships I have with Sam (Kennedy), John (Henry), Tom (Werner) and Mike (Gordon) have allowed me to step in and be part of the dialogue again. It’s a lot bigger company than it was when I left.

“It was just a baseball team and they had just bought Liverpool. Now, it’s also hockey and racing and golf. I’m involved in a lot of interesting trends and interesting times in sports. Getting to learn a lot from those guys and offer my perspective based on my experiences the last decade or so away from them has been a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed it.”

Even if he’s not exactly going to have a hands-on role with the Red Sox in 2024, Epstein did stress that his experience as the lead executive with both Boston and the Chicago Cubs could make him a valuable resource for Craig Breslow and the Red Sox’ current top brass.

“Hopefully, I can provide some insights,” Epstein said. “I’ve had a different experience than those guys have had by leaving, going to Chicago and then getting involved in sports-only private equity and the league office, too. Hopefully, I can provide a little bit of insight based on those experiences.

“Winning is still pretty important, so hopefully I’ve learned a lot over the years on what not to do and a little bit on what to do. Hopefully, in the relationships I have with Craig Breslow and Kyle Dubas with the Penguins, I can help advise and mentor those guys a little bit. It’s a big company with a lot going on but there’s still a lot of winning left to be done out there.”