Could the A’s finally settle on a former player turned exec? Since parting with longtime GM David Forst on Aug. 7, Oakland has scouted multiple candidates. Among them, former outfielder Sam Fuld, now Phillies business ops chief, was their top choice, but he turned down a president of baseball operations role last week.
Red Sox senior VP and assistant GM Taylor Smith now appears to be the frontrunner, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The club seems to be zeroing in on Smith. In my view, his mix of analytics savvy and scouting experience gives him the edge over the field.
The Athletics also talked to Groopman about the GM slot, yet Smith seems to have the inside track. Last week, Smith and Cardinals assistant GM Rob Cerfolio were listed as the final candidates, though Cerfolio is likely to remain in St. Louis. Other names in the mix include assistant GM Billy Owens, ex-Astros GM James Click, former Nationals baseball‑ops chief Mike Rizzo, Cubs AGM Jared Banner and Brewers AGM Matt Kleine. Interim GM Dan Feinstein, who stepped in after Forst’s exit, is not being considered for the permanent role. Will Smith secure the job and steer Oakland toward a new era?