The Boston Red Sox front office is undergoing a change.
Larry Lucchino is prepared to step down from his position as president/CEO of the Red Sox.
“Fourteen years in a 24/7 job is a lot,” Lucchino told The Boston Globe’s Dan Shaughnessy on Saturday. “I’ll be 70 in September. That’s sort of why I’m ready to step back.”
Red Sox principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner confirmed the news to the Boston Herald, adding that Lucchino could remain involved with organization at the executive level in some capacity.
“I don’t believe at all that this is the end of Larry’s relationship with the club, but the beginning of a more diverse role — one in which he can begin to enjoy some of the fruits of his labor,” Henry told the Herald. “He almost certainly will continue to mentor and push for excellence internally over upcoming years.”
Added Werner: “We are hopeful and confident that we will conclude an agreement with Larry going forward where he will continue to be an integral part of upper management. He will have less of an everyday role, but he will continue to have an important strategic role, not just with the Red Sox but also within Major League Baseball.”
Sam Kennedy, currently the Red Sox’s executive vice president and COO, appears primed to assume the role of team president. Kennedy, a native of Brookline, Mass., previously worked under Lucchino with the San Diego Padres before moving back to Boston in 2002 to work under the current ownership group.
“Sam Kennedy is my choice to the next president of the Red Sox when I complete my contract at the end of the year,’’ Lucchino told The Globe. “This will be in effect when I complete my contract at the end of the season.’’
Lucchino also told the Herald: “The truth is Sam is an important part of this puzzle. He’s been working for me for 20 years, right out of college. He’s certainly my choice, as well as that of John and Tom, to be promoted to the position of president.”
Kennedy, 42, is widely respected within the organization, with Werner calling him “one of the rising stars of baseball” and “an absolute A-plus executive talent.”
“There’s been a longstanding transition plan in place for when Larry was ready to take a step back from the day to day,” Kennedy told the Herald. “I know what a privilege it is to work for the Red Sox. I grew up a mile from Fenway and I fully embrace the responsibility that will come with this opportunity. I’m grateful to Larry for his mentorship and John and Tom for their confidence in me.”
A new chapter might be coming in the Red Sox’s front office, but Lucchino certainly left his mark.
“We’ve won three world championships under his leadership and set the longest sellout streak in professional sports history,” Henry told the Herald. “His accomplishments are many and will have a lasting impact.”
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
