Chaim Bloom Named Head of Baseball Operations by Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have concluded perhaps the quietest search for a front office leader in some time. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Red Sox have found their new head of baseball operations in Chaim Bloom. Bloom will be leaving his position as the Tampa Bay Rays‘ senior vice president of baseball operations. He will now run the baseball operations department for the division-rival Red Sox.
Bloom, 36, is expected to take on a new title as chief baseball officer for the Red Sox. He will have some tough waters to wade through while succeeding the successful tenure of Dave Dombrowski. In 2019, the Red Sox had a very underwhelming year. As a result, ownership decided it was time for a change at a pivotal time for the team. There will be some tough decisions to make for Bloom, regarding players like Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez, as well as a farm system that needs an overhaul.
The Fit
The long-time Rays executive seems to be the right man for the job. He had been with the innovative Tampa Bay Rays organization since 2005. He worked his way up the ladder and was serving as the senior vice president of baseball operations before the Red Sox called him. Bloom was instrumental in building Rays teams that have had success this decade — all while maintaining a low payroll. He is known for his ability to develop pitchers and is someone at the forefront of creating the opener. The Rays employed the opener to much success this year, which was a pivotal reason why they were one win away from the ALCS.
Red Sox ownership dictated at the end of the season that there would be payroll cuts. Bloom seems to have the chops to be able to work within a confined budget while still producing a winner, which Boston fans look for and expect every year. Bloom is not afraid to make trades and will likely get his hands dirty right away with a to-do list that is staggering for a team coming off of an underwhelming season.
