Former MLB GM Sends Craig Breslow Message As Firing Calls Mount
The Boston Red Sox made some aggressive moves this offseason in hopes of returning to the playoffs.
However, Boston has gotten off to a horrible start, as entering play on June 4, the Red Sox are 26-34 and in last place in the AL East. It's been a frustrating season, which saw the team fire manager Alex Cora among other coaches.
Now, however, as Boston's struggles continued, many fans have pointed to the team firing Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow. Breslow has been the lead decision-maker for Boston's team on players, coaches, and personnel since he was hired on October 25, 2023.
Although Breslow has been in control for over two years, former MLB general manager and now analyst Jim Bowden believes the Red Sox boss is still learning on the job and how to handle the relationships with players and coaches.
"Craig Breslow is who he is, and that is good, bad, and ugly," Bowden said on Foul Territory. "I've seen GMs like John Schuerholz, whom I have the highest respect for, who was the Executive of the Year, a Hall of Famer, and he had the philosophy that he never wanted to go down to the clubhouse. He didn't want to build personal relationships with players because he felt it would bias his decision-making. Brian Sabean, who won the three World Championships with the San Francisco Giants, had the same philosophy. Then, there are others like Dave Dombrowski who had a locker in the clubhouse.
"... There are different styles that work, but you have to make it work, though. If you have a personality that doesn't relate well to the players, then you need to have an assistant who would be the conduit between you and them to make it work. If you aren't doing well with the media, then you better have a manager that can speak to the media on your behalf, or have ownership that backs you on that. Craig Breslow is learning on the job. I think he's done a good job on the pitching side, he's got some work on the position player, and he's got to build relationships and he's got to get people on board and I think he needs to work on that area, and I think he will."
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It's sound advice from Bowden, who first became an MLB general manager in 1992 at age 31 with the Cincinnati Reds. After being fired by the Reds, he was hired as GM of the Montreal Expos, who were soon to become the Washington Nationals.
Craig Breslow Addresses Job Security
With Boston off to a horrible start, fans have called for Breslow to be fired.
Breslow was then asked about his job security during an appearance on WEEI on June 4, and seemingly brushed it off, but admitted he's disappointed with the team's start.
"I've been asked that question a decent amount over the last couple of weeks, and my answer really doesn't change," Breslow said. "Which is, I'm spending my time working with our coaches, working in the office, to think about how we get our season on track. That's the most important thing.
"That's always going to be the most important thing. Hearing about John relaying that he is frustrated or disappointed with where the organization is today, I don't think that's surprising. We're in last place in the division, and we're not playing up to our expectations. I think we're all frustrated and disappointed with that."
Breslow, meanwhile, also wouldn't confirm reports that the team is looking to make moves.
Boston is 26-34, but is just 3.5 games back of a Wild Card spot.
Related: Yankees Obvious Answer If Aaron Judge Requires IL Stint
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 2:05 PM.