Part 3/8:
Heading into the 2000s, the Cubs had experienced several playoff disappointments, including a lackluster performance in the late 2000s where they failed to progress past the first round. By 2011, after a disappointing 71-91 season, the Cubs were in dire need of a revamp. The front office knew a complete roster overhaul was necessary.
On October 25, 2011, they made a pivotal hiring by bringing in Theo Epstein as president of baseball operations. Epstein was hailed for his previous success with the Boston Red Sox, where he helped end an 86-year title drought. His immediate challenge with the Cubs was to transform an aging squad and build a culture of winning through player development and the innovative use of analytics.