50 Most Influential: No. 50 — Theo Epstein

President of Baseball Operations

Chicago Cubs

CHANGE FROM 2015: NEWCOMER

His place in history secure after lifting the curse around two historic franchises in baseball, Epstein’s influence throughout sports business — especially baseball — can’t be denied. Touting a long executive tree throughout MLB, his style and manner of team building, front-office hiring, organizational structure, vision and philosophy will be copied throughout sports. And only 42 years old, Epstein has a long runway to continue to shape whatever area he focuses on next — whether in ownership or even outside the game.

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