At 12:27 PM on Thursday, September 14th, the Boston Red Sox sent the following press release announcing the firing of Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom.

"The Boston Red Sox today announced that they have parted ways with Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom.

Bloom was notified of the club’s decision by Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, and President & CEO Sam Kennedy.

“While parting ways is not taken lightly, today signals a new direction for our club,” said Principal Owner John Henry. “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.”

Bloom was named Chief Baseball Officer on October 28, 2019. He has worked in baseball for 19 years, starting as an intern for the Tampa Bay Rays, where he spent 15 years of his career preceding his time with the Red Sox.

In addition to this change, General Manager Brian O’Halloran has been offered a new senior leadership position within the baseball operations department.

The search for new baseball operations leadership will begin immediately. In the interim, the day-to-day operations will continue under the direction of O’Halloran, and Assistant General Managers Eddie Romero, Raquel Ferreira, and Michael Groopman."

Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy spoke to the media following the e-mail announcement and laughed at the question of former multiple time World Series winning General Manager Theo Epstein returning to the Red Sox in a similar role of Chaim Bloom and wouldn't comment directly about Alex Cora being a candidate for a front office role.

Here is a list of candidates who could be in the running as the final decision maker for the Red Sox roster.

Alex Cora for me is the favorite to move from the dugout to the front office as the Red Sox next General Manager or Chief Baseball Officer or whatever the title. Alex Cora is the best baseball talent evaluator the Red Sox have, he seems to have the ear of ownership and I want to see him given the keys to build a roster the way he wants to build it. I believe Cora wants the responsibility of being the final decision maker on the Red Sox roster. I hope Alex Cora gets the promotion to the Red Sox front office.

Sam Fuld is the current general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies and reportedly was going to be the manager of the Boston Red Sox under Chaim Bloom. Fuld is known for his unique blend of playing experience, analytics expertise, and leadership skills. After his playing career, Fuld transitioned into a front-office role where he has continued to make significant contributions.

As a player, Fuld was known for his exceptional defensive skills and versatility. He played outfield for several teams in Major League Baseball, including the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics, and Minnesota Twins.

Following his retirement as a player, Fuld joined the Philadelphia Phillies' front office as the major league player information coordinator. In this role, he worked closely with players and coaching staff, providing valuable insights and analytical support. Fuld's ability to bridge the gap between analytics and on-field performance made him a valuable asset to the organization.

Fuld's work with the Phillies caught the attention of the Chicago Cubs, who hired him as their major league player information coordinator in 2018. In this role, he continued to make a significant impact, utilizing his analytical expertise to assist players and coaches in optimizing performance.

In 2020, Fuld joined the Philadelphia Phillies again, this time as the team's general manager. His promotion to such a high-profile position speaks volumes about his reputation and abilities within the industry. As general manager, Fuld is responsible for overseeing the team's roster construction, player development, and day-to-day operations.

Tim Naehring is considered Brain Cashman's right hand man in New York and works from his home office in Cincinnati is a highly respected figure in the world of baseball, known for his contributions both as a player and as an executive. After an impressive playing career, Naehring transitioned into a successful front-office role, where he has made a significant impact.

As a player, Naehring spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox, primarily as a third baseman. Unfortunately, his career was shortened due to injuries.

Following his retirement, Naehring pursued a career in baseball operations. He joined the Cincinnati Reds organization in various scouting and player development roles before eventually joining the New York Yankees in 2007. In 2015, he was promoted to the position of vice president of baseball operations with the Yankees.

If Naehring is to be hired in Boston, he'd have to work in Boston, which, might not be a fit for the Red Sox and me as a fan of the Red Sox.

Brandon Gomes is a rising star in the world of baseball executives. Currently serving as the General Manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gomes has quickly made a name for himself with his sharp baseball acumen and innovative approach to the game. Did you know he's from Fall River?

Gomes' journey to the front office began after his playing career as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. After retiring, he transitioned into a role as a scout for the Tampa Bay Rays, where he quickly showcased his talent evaluation skills and deep understanding of the game. This led to his promotion to director of player development for the Rays, where he played a significant role in developing their highly regarded farm system.

In 2020, Gomes was hired by the Dodgers, a franchise known for its emphasis on analytics and player development. As VP of baseball operations, Gomes has played a key role in shaping the team's roster and organizational strategies. He has focused on utilizing advanced metrics and data-driven decision-making to optimize player performance and roster construction.

Gomes' ability to blend traditional scouting with modern analytical approaches has earned him recognition within the baseball community. His forward-thinking mindset and dedication to player development have helped the Dodgers remain at the forefront of success in recent years.

Brandon Gomes is poised to become a prominent figure in the world of baseball executives. I would be ok with Fall River's Brandon Gomes taking over as Chief Baseball Officer.

I consider Oakland A's General Manger David Forst one of the worst in baseball. He has made a significant negative impact as the general manager of the Oakland Athletics and really in baseball. He's in the conversation with Billy Beane as a baseball executive who is trying to kill the game of baseball. He has been instrumental in implementing the "Moneyball" philosophy, which focuses on maximizing value and efficiency in player acquisitions. Which I hate. David Forst would be a terrible hire for the Boston Red Sox.

Mike Hazen currently serves as EVP and General Manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hazen has made a significant impact on the Diamondbacks organization since taking over the role in 2016.

Hazen began his career in the front office of the Boston Red Sox, where he played an instrumental role in the team's success, including their World Series championships in 2007 and 2013. He served in various capacities, including Vice President of Player Development and Amateur Scouting, before being hired by the Diamondbacks.

Under Hazen's leadership, the Diamondbacks have undergone a transformation, emphasizing player development and a strong analytics-driven approach. He has made astute trades, signings, and draft picks, prioritizing long-term sustainability while remaining competitive in a challenging National League West division.

Hazen's ability to build and maintain a talented roster has been recognized throughout the baseball community. He has effectively balanced the team's payroll and made calculated moves to strengthen the organization's farm system.

Beyond his expertise in player personnel, Hazen has also demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to fostering a positive organizational culture. He values collaboration, communication, and creating an environment where players and staff can thrive.

Hazen's success as a general manager has earned him widespread respect and admiration. His strategic vision, combined with his ability to execute and adapt, has solidified his reputation as one of the top baseball executives in the game today.

I would be ok with Hazen returning the Boston Red Sox as CBO or General Manager.

Thad Levine is a highly respected baseball executive currently serving as the senior Vice President and general manager of the Minnesota Twins. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game, Levine has made a significant impact on the Twins organization. He joined the team in 2016 after an impressive tenure with the Texas Rangers. Known for his analytical approach and strong player evaluation skills, Levine has been instrumental in shaping the Twins' roster and implementing innovative strategies. Under his leadership, the Twins have enjoyed success, including multiple postseason appearances. Levine's ability to identify and develop talent, along with his emphasis on fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking environment, has earned him widespread admiration within the baseball community. His commitment to building a sustainable winning culture makes him a highly regarded figure in the realm of baseball executives.

Jon Daniels is currently an executive senior advisor for the Tampa Bay Rays. He is a highly regarded baseball executive formerly serving as the president of baseball operations for the Texas Rangers. Known for his astute decision-making and knack for building competitive teams, Daniels has played a pivotal role in the Rangers' success. He joined the Rangers organization in 2005 as the youngest general manager in Major League Baseball history. Throughout his tenure, Daniels has made shrewd trades, drafted impactful players, and orchestrated key free agent signings, all contributing to the Rangers' division titles and playoff appearances. His ability to cultivate talent and create a winning culture has solidified his reputation as one of the game's top executives.

James Click is currently the Vice President, Baseball Strategy for the Toronto Blue Jays. Click has a strong background in analytics and player development, Click was considered a key figure in shaping the Houston Astros success. He joined the Astros in 2019 after a successful stint with the Tampa Bay Rays. Known for his strategic decision-making and ability to navigate complex player contracts, Click has played a vital role in maintaining the Astros' competitive edge. His commitment to fostering a winning culture, combined with his innovative approach to roster construction, has solidified his reputation as a respected and influential executive in Major League Baseball. Click is also a former writer at Baseball Prospectus.