The Boston Red Sox are reportedly eyeing a familiar face as they search for their next head of baseball operations.
According to reports, Arizona Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen has emerged as a possible candidate for the role, which recently became vacant after the firing of Chaim Bloom, who served as the club’s chief baseball officer for nearly four seasons.
While Hazen, 47, is currently under contract with the Diamondbacks through the 2024 season, with a club option for 2025, his ties to the Red Sox organization make him a compelling choice.
Hazen had previously spent over a decade with the Red Sox before taking over the reins of the Diamondbacks in the fall of 2016.
During his time in Boston, he held the title of GM but was not the top decision-maker, as that role belonged to Dave Dombrowski, who was then the president of baseball operations.
.@alexspeier gives his list of potential candidates to replace Chaim Bloom.
Mike Hazen – DBacks GM
Eddie Romero – Red Sox Assistant GM
Brandon Gomes – Dodgers GMNothing that we haven’t seen before. But all 3 being different types of candidates.pic.twitter.com/5EegbU783O
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) September 20, 2023
“It doesn’t get more obvious than Hazen,” said R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports. “He’s a familiar quantity to owner John Henry and the other high-ranking members of Boston’s front office. Hazen is about to record his fourth winning season in seven seasons out west. He’s built a fantastic core, and it’s anyone’s guess if he would leave that behind to return to his old haunt.”
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Hazen’s roots in the state add an extra layer of intrigue to the potential reunion.
His deep connections within the Red Sox organization and his proven track record as a baseball executive make him a strong candidate.
Mike Hazen on what it meant to become GM of the Red Sox back in September of 2015. pic.twitter.com/0NgCshgHF5
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) September 19, 2023
Currently, Hazen’s Diamondbacks are locked in a heated race for a wild-card spot in the National League, potentially earning their second playoff appearance under Hazen’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox have had a very disappointing season and are set to miss the postseason yet again.
What do you think the Red Sox should do?
Would Hazen be a good choice?