Theo Epstein threatens ‘a ton of change’ for struggling Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are 8-14 since sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in early June, and team president Theo Epstein is clearly not happy about it.

On Wednesday, Epstein threatened to make “a ton of change” if things don’t turn around, and ducked a question about the performance of manager Joe Maddon.

Theo Epstein on #Cubs' woes: "If it continues, a ton of change is in order." — 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 3, 2019

Theo Epstein on the #Cubs' struggles: "I don't think sitting on our hands is a really viable option." — 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 3, 2019

When asked specifically about Maddon, who is in the final year of his contract, Epstein declined to single him out, but didn’t exactly offer him a vote of confidence.

How is Joe Maddon doing in his job? "I'd rather lump us in collectively," Theo Epstein responds. — 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 3, 2019

The Cubs are 45-41 and second in the NL Central. With Maddon in a contract year and Epstein previously suggesting there would be big changes if there wasn’t sufficient improvement in 2019, the manager seems as though he needs a lot more in the last three months of the season to secure his status going forward.