What Is Theo Epstein's Net Worth and Salary?
Theo Epstein is an American sports executive who has a net worth of $30 million. At his peak, Theo Epstein earned a salary of $10 million per year. Epstein was the Vice President and General Manager of the Boston Red Sox before becoming the President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs. He helped end two of the longest World Series droughts in MLB history; the Red Sox won their first championship in 86 years in 2004, and the Cubs won their first championship in 108 years in 2016.
In 2011, Epstein signed a five-year, $18.5 million contract to become the GM of the Chicago Cubs. He re-signed with the Cubs in 2016 with a five-year, $50 million deal. In total, Theo earned around $70 million during his time with the Cubs alone.
Early Life
Theo Nathaniel Epstein was born on December 29, 1973, in New York City. He was raised in Brookline, Massachusetts. He played baseball at Brookline High School and dreamed of one day making a living in the sport. Theo came from a line of successful people and looked to keep up with his family's accomplishments; His grandfather and great-uncle actually won Academy Awards for the screenplay for Casablanca back in 1943. His father was the head writer of the Creative Writing program at Boston University, and his sister was the head writer of two separate TV shows. So Theo went to Yale University and served as sports editor of the "Yale Daily News." As an undergraduate, he expressed interest in working for several MLB teams, and his letter to the Baltimore Orioles reached the head of personnel and Yale alumnus Calvin Hill. Epstein interned for three years for the Orioles and was eventually hired as the Public Relations Assistant in Baltimore.
Career
Epstein took a position with the San Diego Padres as Director of Player Development while studying at the University of San Diego School of Law and earning a Juris Doctor degree. Theo worked his way up to Director of Baseball Operations before leaving to become President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox in 2001. In 2002, Epstein replaced Mike Port as GM
Theo is credited with making several important moves in his first tenure as General Manager, including the trade of Nomar Garciaparra and acquisitions of Bill Mueller and Curt Schilling. The "Curse of the Bambino" was broken when the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series. In 2005, Epstein rejected a three-year, $4.5 million contract extension with the team, citing personal reasons. He remained in contact with the team's front office, and in 2006, an announcement was made that Theo would resume the role of General Manager and add the title of Executive Vice President. The Red Sox won the 2007 World Series, Epstein's second with the team.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
On October 12, 2011, Theo agreed to a five-year, $18.5 million contract to become President of the Chicago Cubs. The team finished in last place in the National League Central through his first three years with a focus on rebuilding and acquiring young talent, and in 2015, the Cubs clinched a playoff berth and advanced to the National League Championship Series, where they were swept by the New York Mets.
However, after signing an extension with the club estimated to be worth up to $50 million, the Cubs broke the "Curse of the Billy Goat" by defeating the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series. Epstein stepped down in 2020 and was hired by the MLB as a consultant for "on-field matters" in 2021.
Personal Life
Theo has a twin brother, Paul, with whom he co-founded "The Foundation to be Named Later." Epstein also runs "Hot Stove Cool Music" biannually in Chicago and Boston. The benefit concerts help raise millions for disadvantaged youth and families.
Theo married Marie Whitney, founder and creative director of Two Penny Blue, on January 12, 2007. Together, they have two sons, Jack and Andrew.
Real Estate
In 2011, Theo and Marie paid $3.25 million for a 7,000-square-foot home in Chicago. They listed the home for sale in September 2022 for $3.75 million. Here's a video tour of the property:
