The Boston Red Sox are looking for a new front office structure after the team announced earlier this month that they had fired Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom and while former Chicago Cubs' President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein was ruled out as a potential candidate, current Cubs' Vice President of Pitching Craig Breslow has been rumored to join the restructure.
There are rumblings eminating from Chicago that Craig Breslow is moving to the Red Sox to direct their piching develelopment program. Kelly, Craig and their children still live in Newton
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) September 23, 2023
Official title not withstanding, this would appear to be a lateral move for Breslow as opposed to a promotion. Meaning, the Cubs, if they wanted to, could block the move from happening.
Though, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic was quick to downplay the rumors of Breslow leaving the Cubs' organization in favor of the Red Sox.
Just to clarify some rumors out there, I've been told there has been "zero contact" between the Red Sox and Cubs regarding Craig Breslow. As of now, he remains with the organization.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) September 23, 2023
The caveat, of course, is that there has currently been no contact between the Cubs and Red Sox regarding Breslow. It's possible that out of respect for where the Cubs are in their season and fighting for a post-season spot, the Red Sox simply may be waiting until the conclusion of the season before seeking the Cubs' permission to speak with Breslow.
Breslow has become a prominent voice in the Cubs' front office including receiving a promotion this past off-season. Breslow's impact can be seen in the development of Justin Steele and Javier Assad at the Major League level, as well as the Cubs' past success in rehabilitating the careers of veteran relievers such as David Robertson last season. Breslow also has an influence on the Cubs' free-agent signings as it was his meeting with starting pitcher Jameson Taillon last winter that led to the deal between the two sides materializing.
There is no question that Breslow leaving the Cubs' organization would be a significant loss for the front office and leave President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and general manager Carter Hawkins with a significant void.