MLB

Sam Fuld Turns Down Offer To Become Athletics’ President; Taylor Smith Viewed as “Top” Candidate

October 10, 2026

The Oakland Athletics’ search for a new leader in baseball operations has taken a notable turn after Sam Fuld, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, declined an offer to become the team’s president of baseball operations. Fuld, who previously served as Philadelphia’s general manager, chose to remain with the Phillies organization, where he will continue working under president Dave Dombrowski.

His decision removes one of the top contenders from the Athletics’ hiring process, leaving the team to explore other candidates for the role.

With Fuld out of the picture, Taylor Smith, the Boston Red Sox’s assistant general manager, has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the Athletics’ front office. Smith, who began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays before joining the Red Sox in 2024, has been praised for his work in analytics and leadership within the Red Sox organization.

If hired, Smith would assume full control of the Athletics’ baseball operations, presenting an opportunity to reshape the team’s approach, particularly in addressing its pitching challenges.