Chaim Bloom’s Lack Of Courage Is Holding The Red Sox Back

Despite their pitching struggles, the Boston Red Sox have surprisingly been on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. Given the injuries and inconsistencies of their starting rotation, many expected Boston to acquire a starter at the trade deadline. However, Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom didn’t trade for a starter and just acquired one infielder instead. This was a poor move on Boston’s part as the rotation has been the team’s weakest link even when healthy. I believe Chaim Bloom’s lack of courage when making trades is going to continue to hold the Red Sox back.

Question Marks All Over The Pitching Staff

Heading into the season, the Red Sox pitching staff was littered with questions ranging from health to overall consistency. The Sox were banking on a healthy year from Chris Sale and James Paxton, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck would establish themselves as starters, Nick Pivetta would bounce back, free agent Corey Kluber would continue to turn back the clock. and Brayan Bello would take the next step in his development. However, it hasn’t all worked out. James Paxton has been a pleasant surprise for the Sox and the only good thing to happen to the rotation. Chris Sale, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock all sustained injuries. Nick Pivetta was so bad as a starter that he was moved to the bullpen after just nine starts. Kluber himself was also moved to the bullpen after a horrendous string of starts. I believe Bello is still struggling to take that next step.

No Impactful Moves Made At The Trade Deadline

When the trade deadline arrived, the Red Sox were within striking distance of a playoff spot. With all the injuries and inconsistencies plaguing the rotation, starting pitching was a glaring need. Even Boston’s best player Rafael Devers wanted the team to acquire a pitcher. Despite difference-making pitchers in Eduardo Rodriguez, Lucas Giolito, Jack Flaherty, and more being available, Bloom didn’t make a deal for a starter. Instead, the only trade the Red Sox made was for former Milwaukee Brewers top prospect Luis Urias, hardly an impact move.

Bloom’s is perhaps banking on Chris Sale to morph back to 2018 and for Whitlock and Houck to suddenly become quality starters. When the deadline concluded, Bloom proclaimed the Boston Red Sox as “underdogs” during his news conference. Much to the chagrin of the fans and media, Bloom said it perhaps was a factor when going into potential trade negotiations. Underdogs are teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics, not the Boston Red Sox.

No Trust In The Starting Rotation

Since the deadline has passed, the pitching staff has gotten to the point that it can’t be trusted to even start the game. In ten of the last 25 games, Boston has used an “opener” to pitch at least an inning. This has allowed them to have their starters throw fewer innings in a game. This approach is unstainable as you need quality pitching to win in this league. Bloom should know this as he came from the Tampa Bay Rays who are the best at developing pitchers.

Chaim Bloom’s Habit Of Prospect Hugging

Chaim Bloom’s biggest problem is his refusal to part with prospects to get “real” MLB talent. In their farm system, the Red Sox have a surplus of position players. If Chaim Bloom has it in his mind that all those prospects are going to become impactful players, then he’s mistaken. Boston has had issues with their pitching staff since Bloom began leading the front office in 2020. Yet Bloom hasn’t worked up the courage to get an ace pitcher despite there being an obvious need for one.

Bloom’s Lack Of Courage Is Only Holding Boston Back

It takes courage to put together a championship team. So far in his tenure as Chief Baseball Officer, Chaim Bloom has shown that he doesn’t have any. Bloom’s lack of courage to trade prospects for bigger names is partially why Boston hasn’t been a true contender. Decisions like that factor into why the Red Sox have finished in last place two of the past three seasons. It’s maybe also a reason why he and manager Alex Cora have reportedly developed some tension between each other. Unless Chaim Bloom gets more aggressive and develops some more courage when making a trade, then it might be a while until fans experience another championship parade.

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