Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen Linked to Red Sox Opening

Hazen was reported as a potential replacement for Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom, who was fired by Boston on Thursday.

Last week, the Red Sox fired chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom after missing the playoffs in the past two seasons. Last night, Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen was floated in a rumor as a potential replacement.

Mike Hazen is one of the names discussed within the BOS organization as possible head of baseball ops. He's under contract with the D-Backs through next season, with a club option for '25. The Red Sox would need permission to talk to him. Might be an opportunity for him to get an…

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) September 17, 2023

Hazen, 47, was hired by the D-backs following the 2016 season. Arizona went on to secure a Wild Card berth and an appearance in the National League Division Series in his first season but have not sniffed the postseason in the subsequent five seasons. They have a strong chance of ending that drought this season, as they currently hold the second National League Wild Card spot with two weeks to go in the regular season. With the team performing well of late, it comes as no surprise that teams are looking to poach the D-backs GM.

In his tenure there have been some mixed results on trades and free agency moves, but one area the organization has been strongest is in their player development. Most of the D-backs current young core came through the farm system that Hazen built, whether it was from the draft or international amateur free agent signings. In order to achieve the sustainable success, being able to continually develop their talent through their farm system is critical. 

Arizona has the ability to block teams from talking to Hazen if it's a lateral move from his current title of Executive Vice President and General Manager. However if it's for a President of Baseball Operations or Chief Baseball Officer position, which would be considered a promotion, they are obligated to give the Red Sox permission to interview him. Hazen worked in their front office from 2006-2016, starting out as their farm director before working his way up to be their general manager under President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. Without an opportunity to climb up any further in Boston, he came to Arizona to as the top decision maker in their baseball operations.

For Hazen to accept an interview with the Red Sox, it means typically one of two things. It could speak either to a frustration with his current situation or he's looking to use Boston's interest as a means to get a raise and/or promotion as part of his next contract with Arizona. If it's the former, then there's no chance that he stays but if it's the latter, that can be resolved. Hazen is under contract through the 2024 season with a club option for 2025, so 

This story could very well linger into the off-season, given Hazen's previous connections with the Red Sox along with his expiring contract. The question surrounding the D-backs is if they are willing to commit more than a year for their current baseball operations and on-field coaching staff. 

To hear a perspective from the other side of the rumor, here's what our friends at Inside the Red Sox had to say.