Imrem: If Chicago Cubs win it all, what about Theo?

Until Theo Epstein signs a new contract, Chicago Cubs fans have reason to wonder about his future here.

To worry, too.

A headline Wednesday morning on boston.com read, "Nobody has owned the 2016 baseball season quite like Theo Epstein."

The article was labeled "commentary" but was more like a "lament" over the man most responsible for the Red Sox's most recent championship teams belonging to Chicago now.

Epstein moved on to the Cubs five years ago, and, while Wrigley Field isn't the House that Epstein built, he did build the team that currently resides both in there and atop baseball.

The point of the piece on boston.com was that Epstein assembled the cores of two of this season's best baseball teams, the Cubs and Red Sox.

Heck, they might even meet in this autumn's World Series.

All of which inspired a thought: What will happen if the Cubs win that Epstein Bowl?

This is the last season on Epstein's five-year contract and a new deal hasn't been announced.

Much of the palm-sweating, head-scratching speculation centers on why the Cubs aren't giving Epstein what he wants.

Maybe it's because they can't give him what he needs?

An amateur psychologist might think Theo Epstein is going through a middle-age crisis and he isn't sure what he wants to do with the rest of his life.

If the Cubs win the World Series this year, Epstein will have overcome the Curse of the Bambino in Fenway Park and the Curse of the Billy Goat in Wrigley Field.

Not much would be left for Epstein to do here except more of the same.

It's doubtful that Epstein would leave for a challenge to build another team because no other challenge would be as challenging as the challenges he already conquered.

Epstein, 42, might have to ponder whether he wants to stay in baseball forever.

If there's a measure of hesitation in the answer, he might consider trying to accomplish the impossible outside of baseball.

Epstein has said repeatedly that he became fascinated with baseball as a youngster and proceeded to pursue his dream career.

Once people reach the top, however, sometimes they realize there's no place higher to go.

Epstein has a tough job - long hours, immense pressure, intense scrutiny - even if he has made it look easy.

Maybe he's wondering whether it's time for a break, especially if the Cubs win that elusive championship.

Heck, we don't even know whether Epstein, an East Coast native, likes Chicago enough to raise his kids here.

This speculation will sound silly if Epstein signs a new contract today, or next week, or next month.

But it'll sound a little less silly the longer the contract vacuum isn't filled by an extension.

Epstein isn't just any baseball executive. He's the rare one with special qualities that would transition neatly into something bigger, if not better.

If Theo Epstein stays in baseball, he might want to put together an ownership group to purchase MLB's next expansion team.

If he leaves baseball, myriad industries would welcome somebody of his intellect, common sense and makeup.

If he bolted after winning the World Series - even as soon as November - his departure would be lamented here, too.

At least Cubs fans would have the championship he left behind.

mimrem@dailyherald.com