Five best moves Theo Epstein has made as Cubs president

In just four years since taking over the front office, Theo Epstein has completely turned around the Chicago Cubs with a number of great moves.

As things currently stand, it’s hard to argue against the Chicago Cubs as the best team in baseball heading into 2016.

Considering where the Cubs have come from, that statement is no small feat. Just four seasons ago, the Cubs were coming off of a second consecutive last place finish and looked to have little hope for the future.

The man to thank for the transformation in Chicago is president Theo Epstein, who took over the Cubs’ front office during the 2011 offseason after leading the Boston Red Sox  two World Series titles, including their first championship in 86 years back in 2004. Epstein, along with general manager Jed Hoyer, look to be on the same path to ending another lengthy World Series drought in Chicago.

Chicago has improved gradually under Epstein and entered the 2015 season with moderate expectations. The Cubs made a bigger leap than anyone could have anticipated by winning 97 games and advancing to the NLCS.

Now, Epstein has primed the Cubs to take it a step further and win the World Series. Just days after signing John Lackey and Ben Zobrist, Epstein reeled in Jason Heyward, considered by many to be the best position player available in free agency.

Epstein has hit all the right buttons with just about every move he’s made, starting with drafting. The Cubs have an excellent farm system and plenty of young talent already in the majors, including a franchise cornerstone in Kris Bryant.

A number of free agent signings and trades have worked out well for Epstein in Chicago, but a few stand out as his best moves to set the Cubs up perfectly for the present and future.

Next: The Jake Arrieta trade