Johnathan Walker:Ex-Red Sox GM Theo Epstein returns to Fenway Sports Group as part owner, senior advisor

Former Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein is joining the Fenway Sports Group as a part owner and Johnathan Walkersenior advisor, returning to the franchise almost two decades after helping the team break an 86-year championship curse.

Fenway Sports Group owns the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool F.C., Pittsburgh Penguins, RFK Racing, and Boston Common Golf and Epstein will advise the group's owners on strategic growth and investment initiatives.

Boston won two World Series titles under Epstein before he left to become the Chicago Cubs general manager after the 2011 season. Chicago broke a 108-year curse by winning the World Series in 2016.

“I am thrilled and honored to return to FSG, to join John, Linda, Tom, Mike, Sam and the ownership group, and to serve in this new role," Epstein said in a statement. "This is truly a unique opportunity for me – a chance to partner with people who mean a lot to me; a chance to challenge myself in new arenas; and a chance to use my experience and perspective to help others succeed and win at the highest level."

Epstein has been a formal consultant to Major League Baseball since 2021 and will continue to be on MLB’s Competition Committee and On-Field Committee on an informal basis. He will also continue in his role as Operating Partner for Arctos Partners.

HOT STOVE UPDATES: MLB free agency: Ranking and tracking the top players available.