Chaim Bloom departed the Boston Red Sox organization before the end of the 2023 season under a shower of scrutiny and negativity from the fanbase. Not even two years later, though, parts of Red Sox Nation view his tenure differently.
After the Craig Breslow administration began with much of the same shenanigans as before — coming in second for free agents, uncompetitive offers, uninspiring free agent targets — many Sox fans now appreciate what Bloom did well. He stocked Boston's farm system with some of the best young talent in the league.
Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell were recently named the No. 1 and 3 prospects in MLB, respectively, by Baseball Prospectus. Anthony previously held the No. 1 title from Baseball America, but was moved down the list in favor of new Dodgers flamethrower Roki Sasaki. He and Campbell now rank at No. 2 and 4 in Baseball America's latest rankings, released on Jan. 22, and both received votes as the top prospect in the league in a recent executives poll. Bloom drafted Anthony and Campbell with compensation picks in the 2022 and 2023 draft, respectively.
Anthony and Campbell have shared their aspirations to make the Opening Day roster, which would be quite the accomplishment for the 20 and 22-year-olds. The Red Sox are desperate for a righty bat, and if they don't sign Alex Bregman, Campbell could be a right-handed option in the infield or outfield after he slashed .330/.439/.558 with a .997 OPS over 115 games across three levels of the minor leagues last season.
Baseball Prospectus ranks Red Sox prospects Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell No. 1 and 3 prospects in MLB, respectively
Landing their second prospect in the top 5, the @RedSox Roman Anthony #1 overall in our 101. Roman appeared in 119 games in 2024 and slashed .291/.396/.498 including a 35 game stint in Triple-A where the 20 year old outfielder hit .344/.463/.519. pic.twitter.com/nYZmoWghCh
— Baseball Prospectus (@baseballpro) January 15, 2025
Anthony also posted an outstanding season in 2024, and his chances to make the Opening Day roster shouldn't be ignored. He batted .291/.396/.498 with a .894 OPS over 119 games last season and he won the All-Star Futures Skills Showcase, which has Red Sox Nation even more anxious to see him play the outfield alongside All-Star Game MVP and American League MVP candidate Jarren Duran.
Top shortstop prospect Marcelo Mayer also ranks at No. 25 on Baseball Prospectus' top 101 list and No. 15 according to Baseball America. Mayer only posted 77 games for the Sea Dogs last year, but his breakout offensive campaign, during which he slashed .307/.370/.480, still earned the Bloom pick well-deserved attention.
As Boston's top prospects near their MLB debuts, many Red Sox fans view Bloom's tenure with the team in a more positive light. If Boston's "Big Three" meet expectations when they reach the big leagues, Bloom's legend will only continue to grow. He now works in the Cardinals front office and will succeed John Mozeliak as the president of baseball operations when he retires at the end of the 2025 season. Many Sox fans are keen to see how his rebuild of the Cardinals organization works out, as well.