How Chaim Bloom Addressed Cardinals' Offseason Trades With Red Sox

How Chaim Bloom Addressed Cardinals' Offseason Trades With Red Sox originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

A familiar face played a pivotal role in the Boston Red Sox's offseason, as they swung two big trades with Chaim Bloom's St. Louis Cardinals.

Bloom worked as Boston's chief baseball officer from 2020 to 2023 before joining the Cardinals. The team president sent two significant veterans to his former organization, trading first baseman Willson Contreras and starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Red Sox in separate deals.

Speaking to former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski on "Foul Territory," Bloom disputed the notion that he made those trades because of his past Red Sox ties.

"No," Bloom said. "That's just about trying to get the best return."

Bloom pushed back against the theory that he conducted business with the Red Sox because of his increased familiarity with their prospects. He noted that Hunter Dobbins was the only player acquired in either deal who was with Boston during his tenure.

"The others were all acquired after I was gone," Bloom said. "So I had to study up on some of these guys."

The Red Sox drafted Brandon Clarke and Blake Aita in 2024 and acquired Yhoiker Fajardo after the 2024 season. Boston received Richard Fitts from the New York Yankees weeks after Craig Breslow replaced Bloom.

Bloom insisted that he was merely seeking the best trades for his team, and the Red Sox happened to represent the right match.

"With those types of deals, obviously you're moving good talent. You just want to do what's best for the organization," Bloom said. "There's 29 other clubs. Whoever's willing to meet our needs and give us the best return, that has to be about the Cardinals and what's best for the Cardinals, and not about me."

More MLB: After Rocky Start to Career, Kristian Campbell Attempts to Return To Form For Red Sox in 2026