News Flash; Red Sox owners have put trust in Craig Breslow’s decision-making so far
So far, Red Sox ownership has complete faith in Craig Breslow, the team’s new chief baseball officer, to make the proper decisions about trades and free agent signings.
Breslow stated on MassLive’s Fenway Rundown podcast on Thursday, “I try to keep them (owners) apprised of some of the conversations around free agents or trades as they begin to materialize and contextualize those against this broader vision for improving the short and long-term outlook for the team.” “If this is what you feel the organization needs to do in order to execute on that vision, then do this,” has been the ownership’s attitude at every turn.
His goal is to position the team for both short- and long-term competition. In November, Breslow agreed to become the Chief Baseball Officer. He has already made a number of transactions to acquire young players that are long-term team controlled, including pitchers Isaiah Campbell, Richard Fitts, Justin Slaten, Greg Weissert, and Nicholas Judice as well as second baseman Vaughn Grissom.
“I made an effort to communicate my vision for the organization, both short- and long-term, as well as the excitement surrounding some of these young players and the significance of providing them with a development environment and runway to grow,” Breslow said.
At this time, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, center fielder Roman Anthony, and catcher Kyle Teel are Boston’s top three prospects, and the team does not want to deal any of them. When Breslow discusses providing development players a runway, he is referring to three of the most significant young players.
Breslow declined to disclose the amount that ownership is prepared to pay in 2024. He would not say if the payroll mandate exceeds, falls short of, or stays the same as the budget from the previous year. The front office had a statutory budget of $225 million going into last season, which was substantially less than the first CBT threshold of $233 million, as MassLive revealed last month.
Breslow stated, “Unsurprisingly, I don’t think it’s particularly productive to speak with specificity around payroll.” “I believe that my approach is based on the idea that payroll should be determined by how the plan is implemented. And by all signs, payroll will be driven by it. I will reiterate how crucial it is that we identify which of these extremely talented young players will be key players on a championship team, providing them with the opportunity to make a name for themselves. Additionally, we’re actively seeking supplemental and complementary parts because we recognize that the model that has brought in impact talent and functioned here for a very long time—possibly more successfully than any other company over the last 20 years—is this mix. Is this combination of impact talent that’s brought in externally with impact talent that’s drafted and developed internally.”
On the show, Breslow was also questioned about whether he was under any more pressure following the announcement by team chairman Tom Werner that the Red Sox would be going all out this offseason.
Breslow remarked, “I didn’t feel extra pressure.” “I know that Red Sox fans have a right to expect a certain level of quality and consistency, and I know that this job comes with a lot of pressure.” It is my responsibility, and I intend to uphold it. Thus, I believe I can understand the Boston Red Sox’s proper place in the league and in the division. Therefore, it would be challenging to increase the role’s pressure.
