Diamondbacks name Mike Hazen new executive vice president and GM
Oct 16, 2016, 11:27 AM | Updated: Oct 17, 2016, 11:28 am
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The Arizona Diamondbacks have ended their search for a new front office leader.
The team announced Sunday that Mike Hazen will become the new executive vice president and general manager.
The #Dbacks have named Mike Hazen their Executive Vice President & General Manager. pic.twitter.com/ZVMLb0kdOK
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 16, 2016
Hazen was the senior vice president and general manager for the Boston Red Sox last season, working under Dave Dombrowski. He was the Red Sox assistant GM for four seasons before that and had been a member of that organization for 11 seasons. Since Hazen joined in 2006, the Red Sox won two World Series and made it to the postseason five times.
“We feel very strongly that we have found the ideal candidate to lead our baseball operations,” said Diamondbacks’ Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick in a press release. “Mike’s reputation throughout the game is impeccable, and his championship experience gives us great confidence in naming him to this position.”
Prior to joining the Red Sox, Hazen spent five seasons with the Cleveland Indians. The 40-year-old had a different role there, as he worked in scouting and player development.
“Mike’s background is the perfect balance of scouting, player development and analytics, which will all play an important role going forward,” said Diamondbacks’ President and CEO Derrick Hall. “He’s a natural leader, who we feel fortunate to have been able to hire, and we welcome him and his family to Arizona.”
Hazen will be formally introduced at a press conference at Chase Field Monday at 11 a.m.
He was hired to replace a demoted Tony La Russa and fired general manager Dave Stewart, who had been in the GM role since 2014. The Diamondbacks finished fourth in the NL West Division last season.
“I’m extremely grateful for this incredible opportunity to help the D-backs reach the next level,” said Hazen. “This is a franchise that has experienced a lot of success both on and off the field in less than two decades of existence, and I’m looking forward to working with Ken and Derrick to help bring back a tradition of winning to Arizona.”
Hazen won the job among at least five other candidates, according to FOX reporter Ken Rosenthal.
Sources: #DBacks also interviewed J.J. Piccolo, Kim Ng, Peter Woodfork and internal candidates Mike Bell and Bryan Minniti.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 16, 2016
Rosenthal said that Alex Anthopoulos and Jason McLeod also spoke with the Diamondbacks about the position, but each said the talks were informal.
