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After what can only be viewed as a disappointing season, the Boston Red Sox have terminated Chaim Bloom, former Chief Baseball Officer. With the Sox teetering near last place fans have been clamoring for a change at the top.
In a public statement the team said: “While parting ways is not taken lightly, today signals a new direction for our club,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement. “Our organization has significant expectations on the field and while Chaim’s efforts in revitalizing our baseball infrastructure have helped set the stage for the future, we will today begin a search for new leadership. Everyone who knows Chaim has a deep appreciation and respect for the kind of person he is. His time with us will always be marked by his professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering respect for our club and its legacy.”
The Red Sox also revealed that general manager Brian O’Halloran “has been offered a new senior leadership position within the baseball operations department.”
The team has struggled during Blooms’tenure. Bloom was hired by the Red Sox following the 2019 season. He replaced president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who had helped build the 2018 World Series-winning team.
A series of unpopular decisions since his tenure began have left a sour taste in the mouth of Red Sox nation. One of the most unpopular moves Bloom made after coming to Boston was trading Mookie Betts to the Dodgers for Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong and Jeter Downs. At the time Betts had one year remaining on his contract. Since the trade Betts has continued to thrive and is in fact a top candidate for National League MVP this year in what could be his finest season. Only two of the three traded for Betts are still with the Sox, with Verdugo having a solid if unspectacular season and Wong doing the same.
There was also great animosity over the handling of Xander Bogaerts free agency, but to be fair San Diego overpaid for him and the money was better spent on Rafael Devers. Whomever takes over the post will be under great scrutiny from the press and a fanbase that may have to deal with finishing in last place in MLB’s toughest division.
