After a successful 2025 season where they won 89 games and made the playoffs for the first time in four years, the Boston Red Sox will return most of their coaching staff in 2026.
That includes Jason Varitek, who is expected to come back as the team’s game planning and run prevention coach, according to a report from MassLive’s Chris Cotillo on Thursday.
Varitek, whose contract just expired, wanted to return to the Red Sox but was open to a managerial job elsewhere if any opportunities came up. He has yet to receive any interview requests, however, and now appears likely to stay put.
Varitek was expecting to meet with Craig Breslow on Wednesday to discuss his future with the organization. Per Cotillo’s report, the two sides are still working out terms for a new contract as of Thursday afternoon.
The 53-year-old former catcher has been with the Boston organization since 1997. After playing 15 seasons for the Red Sox, Varitek has continued working for the team in various roles since his final game in 2011. He’s been a uniformed member of Alex Cora’s coaching staff since the 2021 season.
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Varitek has been an integral part of the Boston organization for nearly three decades, so it’s good to see he’s back on board for next season. Despite a shaky defense that led MLB in errors, the Red Sox had one of the best run prevention units in baseball this year, ranking 10th in runs allowed per game
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