Jed Hoyer will be named San Diego Padres general manager, a baseball source confirmed to the Globe yesterday. Hoyer, 35, has been a member of the Red Sox’ front office since 2002, most recently as vice president and assistant general manager.
It is uncertain when the Padres will make a formal announcement.
Hoyer, a New Hampshire native who played baseball at Wesleyan, gained prominence following the 2005 season, when he and Ben Cherington served as co-GMs during Epstein’s 10-week hiatus after a falling-out with team president and chief executive officer Larry Lucchino.
During Epstein’s absence, Hoyer and Cherington, along with front office members Bill Lajoie and Craig Shipley, made a couple of significant transactions, including the trade that sent shortstop Hanley Ramirez and prospects to the Florida Marlins for pitcher Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell.
Hoyer’s duties with the Red Sox primarily concerned major league personnel. He will replace Kevin Towers in San Diego. Towers was fired after 15 seasons.
Towers reportedly has a standing offer to join the Red Sox’ front office. ESPN’s Peter Gammons also reported yesterday that a similar offer has been extended to former Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi, a Worcester native.
TONY MASSAROTTI 
