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“We feel very strongly that we have found the ideal candidate to lead our baseball operations,” said Kendrick. “Mike’s reputation throughout the game is impeccable, and his championship experience gives us great confidence in naming him to this position.”
“Mike’s background is the perfect balance of scouting, player development and analytics, which will all play an important role going forward,” said Hall. “He’s a natural leader, who we feel fortunate to have been able to hire, and we welcome him and his family to Arizona.”
“I’m extremely grateful for this incredible opportunity to help the D-backs reach the next level,” said Hazen. “This is a franchise that has experienced a lot of success both on and off the field in less than two decades of existence, and I’m looking forward to working with Ken and Derrick to help bring back a tradition of winning to Arizona.”
Hazen, 40, spent the 2016 season as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Red Sox following 4 seasons as the club’s Assistant GM. In that role, he has been involved in every aspect of baseball operations, including player acquisitions, player evaluation, contract negotiations, professional scouting and amateur scouting. During his 11 seasons working in his hometown (2006-16), the Red Sox reached the postseason 5 times, including 2 World Championships (2007 and ‘13). Prior to joining the Red Sox, Hazen spent 5 seasons with the Cleveland Indians, reaching the postseason in 2001 while working in scouting and player development.
Hazen graduated from Princeton University where he played 4 years of varsity baseball and was a 2-time All-Ivy League outfielder before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1998. He played 2 seasons in the Minor Leagues then joined the Indians’ scouting department. He and his wife, Nicole, have 4 sons: Charlie, John, Teddy and Sam.