We mentioned yesterday that, while it’s been reported that most of the Red Sox coaching staff will be retained for 2026, one notable name remains up in the air: that of Jason Varitek. Could that be because he’s on the cusp of becoming a big league manager elsewhere?
After serving as the team’s “game plan coordinator” for the past five years, Tek’s contract has run its course and has not yet been renewed. Meanwhile, his wife is posting things on social media that sure make it seem like his time in Boston might be up:
There are currently eight teams looking for a new manager: the Padres, Giants, Braves, Rockies, Nationals, Angels, Rangers, Twins, and Orioles. One of those teams, the Nats, is now run by a recently-departed member of the Red Sox front office in Paul Toboni, while another, the Giants, interviewed Tek for the big chair back in 2023. And now Varitek, along with Andrew Bailey, has been named as a potential fit to be the next manager in San Fransisco. (Kerry Crowley, San Fransisco Standard)
But not so fast, Buster Posey! Chris Cotillo threw a little cold water on the Varitek rumors:
Meanwhile, there is at least one member of the 2025 coaching staff who will not return next year. Assistant hitting coach Ben Rosenthal, who has been with the team since 2021, will be working elsewhere in 2026. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Bench coach Ramon Vazquez could be headed elsewhere, too, but on his own terms. Vazquez and the Red Sox are currently working on a contract extension, but the Twins have just asked permission to interview him for the managerial spot recently vacated by future New England National Team manager Rocco Baldelli. (Anthony Franco, MLB Trade Rumors)
But, with respect to Vazquez and Varitek, coaching rumors just aren’t that exciting. You know what is exciting? Imagining how Pete Alonso would fit on the Red Sox roster. There would be dingers, oh so many dingers. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
But just as Cotillo is pouring cold water on Jason Varitek managerial rumors, there are national baseball writers pouring cold water on the idea of the Polar Bear playing in Fenway. Here’s one who predicts that the Sox will “play it safe and bring back a similar roster, starting with re-signing Bregman.” (Dave Schoenfield, ESPN)
