Cubs president Theo Epstein warns of big changes if struggles continue

E.Jay Zarett

Cubs president Theo Epstein warns of big changes if struggles continue image

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein warned "a ton of changes are in order" if the team continue to struggle.

The Cubs – the 2016 MLB World Series champions – enter Wednesday's action on a three-game losing streak, having dropped six of their last eight.

Epstein is not happy with Chicago's form and said things could change dramatically.

"I don't think sitting on our hands is really a viable option," Epstein told 670 The Score. "We want to be in a position to have enough belief that we're looking to aggressively add and sort of polish up what we think can be a championship team.

"If we're not, that means this stretch of bad play has continued. And if this stretch of bad play continues, then certainly ... a ton of changes are in order."

The Cubs trail the Milwaukee Brewers by one game in the National League Central and hold just a half-game lead over the Colorado Rockies for the second wild-card spot.

"We're all really frustrated, obviously," Epstein said. "It's a stretch of play nobody is proud of, nor should anybody be. It's hard. But you find out a lot about what people are made of during stretches like these. It obviously can't continue. It's not acceptable.

"It's incumbent on all of us to find ways out of it. And obviously on [the front office] end, a big part of that is transactional. It's the time of year to do that. Change is obviously called for if we keep playing like this. But there's opportunities for everyone to do better."

Epstein said the Cubs will explore the trade market before the July 31 deadline. He is "optimistic" the team can fix their issues.

"Certainly, between now and July 31, if we haven't started to play better and even if we have in some areas ... change to just change the environment might be called for, change as a catalyst," Epstein said. "There are lots of different areas."

The Cubs called up Robel Garcia from Triple-A and sent down Dillon Maples on Wednesday.

E.Jay Zarett