Click is latest to pass on job
James Click, a prominent candidate in the Red Sox’ search for a head of baseball operations, talked with the team but has decided to remove himself from the mix in deference to family considerations, according to a major league source.
Click, a Blue Jays vice president of strategy, served as general manager of the Astros from 2020-22, winning a World Series ring in 2022. However, he parted ways following Houston’s title run when team owner Jim Crane cut off talks of an extension amid a personality clash.
Click, whose combination of recent experience as a leader of a baseball operations department, success in that role, and background in progressive organizations stood out, is the latest prominent candidate to withdraw. Others to withdraw or decline include Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey, Rays senior adviser Jon Daniels, MLB vice president of baseball operations Michael Hill, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes, Phillies GM Sam Fuld, Red Sox assistant GM Raquel Ferreira, and Diamondbacks assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye.
Interviews have taken place with at least three internal candidates (assistant GM Eddie Romero, assistant GM Michael Groopman, and VP of scouting and player development Paul Toboni) as well as at least three external candidates (in addition to Click): Twins GM Thad Levine, Cubs assistant GM Craig Breslow, and Guardians special assistant (and former Pirates GM) Neal Huntington.
Verdugo Gold finalist
Alex Verdugo was named an American League Gold Glove finalist in right field Wednesday afternoon, alongside the Astros’ Kyle Tucker and the Rangers’ Adolis García.
Verdugo mostly split time between the outfield corners in his first three years with the Red Sox, but with the arrival of the defensively inferior Masataka Yoshida, shifted exclusively this season to Fenway’s expansive right field, a position that is known to give defenders fits.
He was an impact player there. Verdugo was tied for first among AL right fielders in defensive runs saved (nine) and assists (12), playing in 140 games.
Verdugo had a down year offensively, but he was one of the only bright spots defensively on a team that was at the bottom of the league in the category.
“I don’t know my numbers. I just know that our outfield coach [Kyle Hudson], he always says I’m his best right fielder,” said Verdugo at the end of the season. “If I can put myself in the running and hopefully get that Gold Glove, it would be great. That’s something that I take a lot of pride in. I took a lot of pride in it this year. Defense is very important to me.”
Winners will be announced on Nov. 5. No Red Sox has earned a Gold Glove since Mookie Betts won his fourth straight in right field in 2019.
Yoshida thankful
Yoshida’s appears to have enjoyed his first taste of Boston. He took to Instagram on Tuesday and expressed both how grateful he was to play for the Red Sox this season and his thanks to those who cheered him on.
“Thank you to the amazing Red Sox fans for all your support this season,” Yoshida wrote. “It was a real honor to play for the Boston Red Sox during my first season in the Majors and it was so exciting to play at such an amazing ball park in front of the most passionate fans in baseball.”
In his debut year, Yoshida slashed .289/.338/.445 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs, but slumped significantly after the All-Star break.
“I’m going to work hard in the off season so that next season I’ll come back stronger and deliver the results that the Red Sox fans can be proud of,” Yoshida wrote. “Thank you and I’m looking forward to seeing you again next spring!”