Most recently, Breslow was the assistant general manager with the Cubs and the team’s vice president of pitching. Breslow spent his entire post-playing career in the Cubs organization after pitching his final MLB season in 2017.

Breslow pitched across 12 MLB seasons as a lefty reliever for seven teams.

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the Boston Red Sox, an organization that means so much to my family and to me,” said Breslow. “I am humbled by the opportunity to lead baseball operations and to work alongside so many talented people. I’d like to thank John Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, and Sam Kennedy for entrusting me with executing the vision we share for this organization. I know firsthand how special winning in Boston is, and I look forward to once again experiencing that passion and success with our fans.”

The 43-year-old has long been viewed as a potential candidate to run a baseball operations department. In addition to his playing and front-office experience, he also graduated from Yale University in 2002 with a degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry.

While the Red Sox chose not to publicize any particulars in their search for their next leader of baseball ops, sources confirmed that several executives interviewed for the post, including Red Sox assistant general manager Eddie Romero, Twins general manager Thad Levine, Guardians special assistant for baseball projects Neal Huntington and recently-dismissed Giants manager Gabe Kapler.

Several candidates also turned down the chance to interview for the position, including Rays senior advisor Jon Daniels, Blue Jays vice president of baseball strategy James Click and former Marlins general manager Kim Ng.

The Red Sox finished in last place in the AL East in three of the past four seasons, and pitching has been the club’s biggest issue, which makes Breslow an ideal fit to help the team reverse its fortunes.

Brent Maguire contributed to this report.