Athletics Interviewed Candidates for General Manager Role
The Oakland Athletics have interviewed Boston Red Sox front office executives for the team's vacancy.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Baseball
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The Athletics recently conducted interviews with Red Sox assistant general managers Mike Groopman and Taylor Smith as part of a search for a new leader. The team is looking to revitalize its front office operations following the dismissal of David Forst in August 2026.
Why it matters
The club is seeking a new front office leader to help refresh its development department with new ideas. This transition marks a pivotal shift for the organization as it prepares for a final season in Sacramento before moving to Las Vegas.
The candidates interviewed, Mike Groopman and Taylor Smith, currently serve as assistant general managers among four such roles under the Red Sox front office structure. Taylor Smith brings experience from seven seasons spent previously with the Tampa Bay Rays.
The players
Mike Groopman
He currently serves as a senior vice president for the Boston Red Sox.
Taylor Smith
He joined the Red Sox in 2024 and previously managed predictive modeling for the Tampa Bay Rays.
David Forst
He served as the general manager for the Oakland Athletics before his dismissal in August 2026.
Dan Feinstein
He is currently serving as the interim general manager for the Oakland Athletics.
The details
The Oakland Athletics conducted an initial stage of candidate interviews via video call and plan to invite selected individuals for in-person meetings. Current interim general manager Dan Feinstein continues to oversee operations as the club evaluates external candidates like Mike Rizzo and Billy Owens.
Timeline
August 2026 marked the departure of David Forst from the general manager position.
November 2024 was when Taylor Smith was hired by the Red Sox organization.
2027 represents the year the incoming front office boss must focus on improving the pitching staff.
Opening Day 2028 is the scheduled date for the debut of the new ballpark in Las Vegas.
The Big Picture
The search for a new general manager follows the 2026 dismissal of David Forst, setting the stage for a complete overhaul of the front office philosophy. The selection of a new leader is critical for navigating the franchise's transition to a new market in Las Vegas.
The incoming general manager will be tasked with the immediate improvement of the pitching staff beginning in 2027. This decision will define the roster strategy as the club concludes its final season in Sacramento.
The takeaway
The Athletics are aggressively pursuing a new front office vision by interviewing executives with strong analytical backgrounds from other successful organizations. This search signals a concerted effort to build a competitive roster before the team's arrival in Las Vegas.
Further reading
For more developments on the Athletics front office, visit Oakland Baseball.
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