{
  "id": 13666312,
  "title": "Taylor Made? Red Sox Exec Remains a Top A's Baseball Ops Candidate After Fuld Snub",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/taylor-made-red-sox-exec-remains-a-top-as-baseball-ops-candidate",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T06:40:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/taylor-made-red-sox-exec-064002225.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Athletics outfielder Sam Fuld has reportedly withdrawn his name from consideration for the role of President of Baseball Operations for the A s, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Fuld, who currently serves as the president of business operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, opted to stay with the team rather than take the A s position. This move could indicate that Dave Dombrowski's retirement from the A s is more imminent than previously thought.\n\nPassan also reported that Red Sox SVP/AGM Taylor Smith remains a top candidate for the A s position. Smith, who has extensive experience in baseball analytics, joined the Red Sox as SVP and assistant general manager in October 2024. His journey through the baseball industry includes roles with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox, where he has consistently contributed to the development of analytics and player performance.\n\nThe search for a new President of Baseball Operations for the A s has seen a variety of candidates emerge, ranging from former General Managers like Mike Rizzo to younger candidates like Taylor Smith and Mike Groopman. Mike Rizzo, previously mentioned as a potential candidate for the Houston Astros, could be a suitable fit for the A s. Taylor Smith, with his background in analytics, could bring fresh perspectives to the A s front office. Mike Groopman, who has experience in both baseball analytics and scouting, could also be a strong contender. Billy Owens, the current assistant GM of the A s, remains an internal candidate. Other candidates include Matt Kleine, currently serving as the assistant GM of the Milwaukee Brewers, and James Click, who previously led the Astros to a World Series title and is now Vice President of Baseball Strategy with the Toronto Blue Jays. Jared Banner, the Chicago Cubs' assistant general manager, also joined the list of candidates.",
  "summary": "The A's were reportedly turned down by Sam Fuld, the second top target to walk away, but Red Sox executive Taylor Smith is still in the mix.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Athletics outfielder Sam Fuld withdraws from President of Baseball Operations consideration.",
    "Red Sox SVP/AGM Taylor Smith remains top candidate for A s position.",
    "Multiple candidates, including Mike Rizzo and Mike Groopman, explored for A s job."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}