MLB Rumors: Red Sox’s Jason Varitek Coaching Career Update

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Masslive.com’s Chris Cotillo reports former Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek is ready to run it back in 2026.

“Heard Jason Varitek is ‘expected back’ with the Red Sox this year as of now. Of course, lots of openings across the game,” Cotillo posted on X.

One of those openings is in Minnesota and Twins are looking ready to change their Sox.

“Sources: Twins are seeking permission to interview Red Sox bench coach Ramon Vazquez for their manager opening,” the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports.

Echoing that is MLB.com’s Ian Browne.

“Alex Cora has been saying for a while that Ramon Vazquez deserves a chance to manage,” Browne posted on X.

Vazquez joined the Red Sox in 2018 when Alex Cora took over as manager. At the time, Vazquez focused on statistical analysis and scouting.

In 2020, he was promoted to quality control coach and interpreter. Vazquez became Boston’s first base coach before the 2022 campaign. Cora promoted him to bench coach before the 2023 season.

The 49-year-old Vazquez, an infielder by trade, played for six MLB clubs during his big-league career, including the Red Sox in 2005.

As for Varitek, he currently serves as the Red Sox’s game planning and run prevention coach.

The former Red Sox captain, now 53, was a three-time All-Star during his 15-year career, hitting 193 home runs and earning a Silver Slugger Award in 2005.

Varitek, like Vazquez, is viewed as a future manager.

Their departures would break a “business as usual” approach for the Red Sox’s coaching staff.

“Per sources, Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse, pitching coach Andrew Bailey, third base coach Kyle Hudson, first base coach Jose Flores, bullpen coach Chris Holt and bench coach Ramon Vazquez will all be returning,” WEEI’s Rob Bradford reported Sunday.

“The Red Sox have made one coaching change — with the vast majority of Alex Cora’s staff expected back in 2026,” Cotillo reported Monday.

“Assistant hitting coach Ben Rosenthal, who has been with the Red Sox for the last four seasons, will not return, sources said Monday. As of now, that’s expected to be the most notable change,” Cotillo reported.

The following teams are searching for new managers:

• San Diego Padres (Mike Shildt)
• Los Angeles Angels (Ron Washington)
• San Francisco Giants (Bob Melvin)
• Atlanta Braves (Brian Snitker)
• Colorado Rockies (Bud Black)
• Washington Nationals (Dave Martinez)
• Minnesota Twins (Rocco Baldelli)
• Baltimore Orioles (Brandon Hyde)