Mike Hazen Leaves Red Sox To Become Diamondbacks Executive VP & GM
BOSTON (CBS) - Mike Hazen has left his job as general manager of the Boston Red Sox to become the executive vice president and general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The D-Backs made the announcement Sunday afternoon on Twitter, surprising many Red Sox fans.
The #Dbacks have named Mike Hazen their Executive Vice President & General Manager. pic.twitter.com/ZVMLb0kdOK
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 16, 2016
"I'm extremely grateful for this incredible opportunity to help the #Dbacks reach the next level," Hazen said in a brief statement through his new team.
Hazen was really an ass't GM in Boston (tho had GM title). People say he's ready. Will add stat emphasis to AZ equation.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 16, 2016
Hazen was named general manager of the Red Sox in September 2015, a month after Dave Dombrowski was hired as president of baseball operations. Before Dombrowski took over, Hazen was a senior vice president and assistant general manager under previous general manager Ben Cherington.
Hazen isn't prohibited from hiring Red Sox staff in Arizona. Most notably, Sox likely to grant permission to interview Lovullo if requested.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) October 16, 2016
Hazen, a native of Abington, joined the Red Sox organization in 2006, coming from the Cleveland Indians, where he was the assistant director of pro scouting.
Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski issued a statement on Sunday afternoon.
"While this is certainly a significant loss for the Red Sox organization, we are extremely happy for Mike and his family as they begin this new opportunity in Arizona," Dombrowski said. "As one of the most respected young baseball executives in the game, Mike is more than deserving of this position. On behalf of the club, we would like to thank Mike for his 11 years of service to the Red Sox and wish him well in his new role. He will be missed by all of his colleagues here at the Boston Red Sox.
"In the meantime, a search for a new general manager for the Boston Red Sox is underway."