Longtime baseball executive Theo Epstein has joined Major League Baseball as a consultant regarding on-field matters, the league announced Thursday.
In his new role, Epstein will work with baseball analytics experts from the commissioner’s office and from teams to determine the likely effects of various contemplated rule changes.
“Theo is one of the most accomplished and thoughtful people in our sport," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "I am grateful that he has accepted our invitation to complement our ongoing efforts and provide his insights on making the best game in the world even better for the next generation of fans."
Most recently, Epstein served as president of baseball operations with the Chicago Cubs, where he helped guide the team to the 2016 World Series — its first as a franchise since 1908. He also served as general manager of the Boston Red Sox when they won the 2004 and '07 World Series.
He is one of just five executives to win a World Series with multiple organizations.
"As the game evolves, we all have an interest in ensuring the changes we see on the field make the game as entertaining and action-packed as possible for the fans, while preserving all that makes baseball so special," Epstein said, in part, in a release. "I look forward to working with interested parties throughout the industry to help us collectively navigate toward the very best version of our game."