Diamondbacks extend GM, eliminating potential Red Sox return

For the first time since 2017, the Arizona Diamondbacks are in the postseason. The club took significant steps forward this season, improving their record by 10 wins from 2022 while infusing some rookies into key roles in the lineup, and ultimately earned a wild-card spot. 

Much of the credit will rightfully go to manager Torey Lovullo and his coaching staff, but general manager Mike Hazen also deserves some for the club he's put together. 

It would seem Arizona ownership agrees, as it was announced Wednesday that the team and Hazen had reached an agreement on a five-year contract extension. The deal guarantees his status through 2028 and contains an option for an additional year, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. 

Hazen's existing contract wasn't set to expire until after the 2024 season but the D-backs elected to make this move now rather than wait. At least some of that stemmed from the rampant speculation that Hazen could be a favorite to take over in Boston. 

Boston dismissed Chaim Bloom as the team's chief baseball officer as the season concluded. Almost immediately, Hazen's name was floated as a potential option to replace him. 

The Massachusetts native spent more than a decade in the Red Sox front office before leaving to take his current job with the D-backs following the 2016 season. The connection was logical. 

Boston's search will continue but they can at least cross Hazen off their list. Hazen's assistant general manager Amiel Sawdaye, who followed him from Boston to Arizona, also received an extension to remain with the Diamondbacks. 

He's been connected previously to the Angels and Giants GM roles and while there hasn't been speculation putting him on Boston's radar again, this likely eliminates that chance.