Former Rival GM Reveals Daunting Obstacles Facing 2026 Red Sox

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Former Rival GM Reveals Daunting Obstacles Facing 2026 Red Sox originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

J.P. Ricciardi was the Toronto Blue Jays' general manager from 2001 to 2009, so he knows how difficult it is to compete in the AL East.

Now a NESN analyst, Ricciardi broke down the state of the Boston Red Sox on the "Cassell's Corner" podcast this week with Worcester Red Sox reporter Tommy Cassell.

Ricciardi touched on the Red Sox's recent decision to fire Alex Cora and overhaul much of their coaching staff amid their slow start.

"Craig Breslow is the GM, and he's gonna have the ability to run the team the way he wants," Ricciardi told Cassell. "I think any time you have a manager that's not hired by the GM, I think there's obviously some difference of opinion there... Craig Breslow's in charge, and he wanted to make a change, so you have to respect that."

Ricciardi made several managerial changes during his time running the Blue Jays, so he knows what it's like to be in Breslow's shoes.

While Breslow remains optimistic that Boston can overcome its sluggish start and make a playoff push , Ricciardi is less bullish about the team's outlook for the rest of the season and still sees room for improvement.