Guardians rumors: Chris Antonetti mentioned as possible option for Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox decided it was time to pull the plug on the Chaim Bloom era, moving on from their now-former President of Baseball Operations after a tenure that will be most remembered for trading Mookie Betts to Los Angeles. Now that Boston has an opening in their front office, Guardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti has been named as a possible candidate, according to reports.

Antonetti, in addition to Brandon Gomes of the Dodgers and David Forst of the Athletics, have been named as early options for the now-vacant position in Boston. It is not known at this time whether or not Antonetti would be interested in the position or if he would even interview for it if approached by the Red Sox.

While the general reaction has dismissed the possibility of Antonetti leaving Cleveland for Boston, this offseason may be the right time for him to take on a new challenge. Guardians manager Terry Francona is expected to retire following the season, and this could play a factor in Antonetti's decision-making process. Francona's potential retirement could very well be the catalyst that results in Antonetti moving to a new organization.

Should Antonetti leave for Boston, it is possible that current general manager Mike Chernoff could very well step into the role of Cleveland's President of Baseball Operations. This transaction would be in the same mold that saw Antonetti step into the role formerly held by Mark Shapiro in 2015. Considering the way the Guardians organization prefers to run things, the potential promotion of Chernoff would be very much expected.

Do not expect a philosophical change for the Guardians organization if there is a change in their front office. This is a team that has a very particular way of handling things, and it should continue no matter who their President of Baseball Operations is.

Will Antonetti leave Cleveland for Boston? Only time will tell.