ESPN.com's Buster Olney is reporting that the Padres are moving closer to hiring Red Sox executive Jed Hoyer. Hoyer, 35, has played a key role in the Red Sox decision making process for the past several years, including a 10-week stint as the teams general manager when Theo Epstein left the team in 2005. 

Hoyer has interviewed for jobs with the Pirates and Nationals, but it appears he will land his first gig with the Padres. The Padres hope Hoyer can take the Padres in a new direction, possibly making a move to bring in a young core of prospects. 

This move could set up a possible Red Sox-Padres blockbuster, sending Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox for a package of young and promising talent.