As the dust settles on the latest developments in the world of Major League Baseball, it’s clear that Chaim Bloom, the 41-year-old front office veteran, is exactly where he wants to be. Just over a year since the Boston Red Sox fired him as their chief baseball officer, Bloom has secured his next gig as the president of baseball operations for the St. Louis Cardinals, starting with the 2026 season.
Bloom’s journey to the top of the Cardinals’ front office is a testament to his dedication and expertise in building strong farm systems. As an advisor to the Cardinals this season, he impressed the team with his insight and vision, ultimately earning him the nod to replace longtime president John Mozeliak when his contract expires after the 2025 season. Bloom signed a five-year deal with the Cardinals, no doubt seeing a bright future ahead.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Bloom’s tenure with the Red Sox was marked by disappointing last-place finishes and only one playoff appearance, with a record of 267-262 under his guidance. Critics will argue that his success in building the farm system was not matched on the field. Nevertheless, Bloom’s ability to develop talent has earned him recognition, with the Red Sox boasting three of the top 25 prospects in baseball, all of whom were drafted under his watch.
Bloom’s background is marked by another interesting facet: his Jewish heritage and observance of Shabbat. A graduate of a Jewish day school, he has been open about facing antisemitic abuse and threats, including a series of death threats and a slur hurled at him in 2023. These challenges haven’t deterred him, and his commitment to his faith has only grown stronger.
As he takes the reins at the Cardinals, Bloom has his work cut out for him. The team finished tied for second in the National League Central in 2024, but has not made the playoffs since 2021. With a new direction and a fresh start, Bloom will look to overhaul the player development department, a process he has spoken about enthusiastically. If successful, it could mark the end of a years-long bet he made with a colleague over an unopened jar of gefilte fish, which still occupies space in his offices.
Time will tell if Bloom can work his magic in St. Louis, but one thing is certain: his dedication, expertise, and perseverance will make him a force to be reckoned with in the world of baseball.
