Cubs executive Craig Breslow returning to Red Sox as their top baseball official: Sources

According to sources familiar with the hiring process, Chicago Cubs executive Craig Breslow is set to return to the Boston Red Sox as their top baseball official. The 43-year-old former pitcher, who played a crucial role in the Red Sox’s 2013 World Series victory, has been serving as an assistant general manager and senior vice president of pitching for the Cubs. His expertise in pitching development is expected to benefit the Red Sox, who have struggled in that area for years.

After interviewing eight candidates inside and outside the organization, the Red Sox identified Breslow as the front-runner for the position. It remains uncertain whether he will have a second-in-command, but assistant general managers Eddie Romero, Raquel Ferreira, and Mike Groopman will continue to be part of the Red Sox leadership group.

The Red Sox ownership has a reputation for having short leashes, as their previous heads of baseball operations, Ben Cherington, Dave Dombrowski, and Chaim Bloom, were all fired before completing four full seasons. This history created apprehension among potential candidates, leading some to decline interviews. Breslow will have to navigate this reality as he takes on the top job in Boston.

Developing homegrown starting pitchers has been a challenge for the Red Sox in recent years. While Bloom improved the team’s farm system during his tenure, there was still a perceived lack of pitching depth. Breslow is seen as a potential solution to this problem.

Although Breslow has not previously run an entire baseball operations department, his experience with the Cubs kept him involved in various aspects of the organization. His advanced methods and analytical approach have also made him influential in decision-making processes. His ability to quickly adapt and learn, along with his extensive knowledge of player development and pitching, make him well-suited for the role.

The Cubs experienced significant improvements in their pitching development under Breslow’s guidance. Homegrown pitchers who debuted between 2013 and 2019 accumulated only 178 1/3 innings, while those who debuted after participating in Breslow’s program in 2023 accumulated 417 1/3 innings. The Cubs also ranked highly in average fastball velocity and “stuff” metrics among minor league organizations.

Breslow’s appointment as the Red Sox’s top baseball official signifies a turning point for the organization’s pitching development. With Breslow’s expertise and the talented prospects on the horizon, the Red Sox have the potential to regain their previous success in the American League East.

In conclusion, the return of Craig Breslow to the Boston Red Sox as their top baseball official is expected to boost the team’s pitching development, an area where they have struggled in recent years. Breslow’s experience and innovative methods have transformed the Cubs’ pitching program, making him a strong candidate for the Red Sox. His appointment comes with the challenge of meeting the high expectations set by Red Sox ownership and achieving success in a competitive division. However, with his expertise and the talented prospects in the organization, Breslow has the potential to make a significant impact in Boston.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.