Red Sox Chaim Bloom Fired

By Emily Cheigh

On September 14, Boston Red Sox’s Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom was fired after almost four seasons. After the firing of general manager Dave Dombrowski in 2019, 1 year after they had won the World Series, Chaim Bloom joined the Red Sox. Leaving the Tampa Bay baseball operations department, Bloom came prepared to rebuild a farm system, emphasizing being strategic and patient. 

However, he began his tenure on a controversial note. The Sox were facing luxury tax issues and stressed financial flexibility, pressuring Bloom to make a big trade. After trading away star outfielder Mookie Betts and pitcher David Price to the LA Dodgers in 2020, Bloom faced a mix of emotions and backlash. Some fans appreciated Bloom’s emphasis on player development and young talent while much of the fanbase was left worried for their team’s future. Many disappointed Red Sox fans knew Betts as an iconic Red Sox player, and worried about how the team would compete in future seasons without a player of his caliber. During that COVID season, the Sox went 24-36, below expectations. Over his tenure, Bloom led the Red Sox’s record to 267-262 with only one trip to the ALCS in 2021. 

News of his firing spread quickly, prompting a series of reactions and press conferences. CEO Sam Kennedy read a prepared statement in his news conference, noting how the decision was not easily made and how “our fans deserve a winning, competitive team that consistently plays postseason baseball”. Kennedy makes it clear that “We’re aiming for World Series Championships. That’s it. That’s the aim, that’s the goal”. Additionally, owner John Henry commented on how Bloom “set the stage for the future”, but it wasn’t enough to keep his job. In the interim, GM Brian O’Halloran will be running the department. 

Photo Credit:

Davis, J. (2023). Chaim Bloom is not the only reason for the Red Sox mess [Photograph]. The Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/14/sports/chaim-bloom-fired-dan-shaughnessy/