When the Red Sox named Chaim Bloom the chief of baseball operations, he inherited a team coming off a season that failed to meet expectations. His task was to return the Red Sox to the postseason and build a roster that could be competitive for years to come. That changed, however, when the Houston Astros received their punishment for the sign-stealing scheme. After handing out severe punishments to Houston, the league has shifted its focus to the Red Sox, who were accused of using their video replay room to steal signs during the 2018 season.
Although the Red Sox will not know their fate for a few weeks, Bloom is faced with arguably the toughest task of his tenure so far. With Spring Training less than two months away, he must find a new manager to lead this team.
In a way, Bloom must restore a winning culture to a franchise that for many outside observers appears tainted. Although Cora is gone, the scandal will follow this team well into the regular season regardless of their play. Bloom now has a chance to put his stamp on the franchise as they try to start fresh.
Although the Red Sox underperformed last year, there is still a belief by some that 2020 will not be a lost season. They have plenty of star power, assuming everyone can stay healthy. A successful season will go a long way in putting what has been a disastrous offseason to date in the rearview mirror.
For Bloom, his legacy in Boston will be defined by the moves he makes in the coming weeks. He now must find a manager that can lead a Red Sox team surrounded in controversy and find a way to keep former AL MVP Mookie Betts in a Red Sox uniform for years to come. Bloom has also been tasked with rebuilding a farm system that has one prospect in the top 100.
For the Red Sox, 2020 could be their shot at redemption. While Bloom will mold the team in his vision, the roster is largely the same. How they deal with adversity will define the beginning of Bloom’s tenure and the organization going forward.
