NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury reported Tuesday afternoon that the Phillies are set to name Sam Fuld as the team’s new general manager. Fuld has been a part of the Phillies’ front office since 2017. Ned Rice had been acting as interim general manager since Matt Klentak stepped down in October.
Who is Sam Fuld?
Fuld, 39, is a former major leaguer having played eight years for the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics, and the Minnesota Twins. Drafted in the 10th round of the 2004 MLB draft out of Stanford University, Fuld made his MLB debut in September of 2007 and finished his career following the 2015 season. An outfielder by trade, Fuld ended his career with a .632 OPS.
Fuld has started his tenure with the Phillies as a Player Information Coordinator in 2017. Since then, he had risen to the role of Integrative Baseball Performance Director.
Highly respected by many, Fuld is one of the up-and-comers in the sport of baseball. Last offseason, Fuld was the runner-up to Alex Cora for the managerial job with the Boston Red Sox. To go from a managerial runner-up to a general manager over the course of one season indicates just how strong of a reputation Fuld is garnering across the league.
Fuld’s first GM position will be one where he will have support. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has reportedly wanted “compelte autonomy,” indicating that he not only approved the hiring but likely hand-picked Fuld to be his right-hand man.
With the front office assembled, it is time for the Phillies to open up the checkbook and dive into free agency.
Photo Credit: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire
