Red Sox Reportedly Finalizing Contract Extension With Popular Coach
After nearly three decades with the Boston Red Sox organization, Jason Varitek appears to be sticking around.
Varitek, the team’s game planning and run prevention coach, saw his contract expire at the end of the season. While he was open to a managerial role elsewhere if one arose, no opportunities presented themselves.
Accordingly, Varitek is expected to return to the Red Sox coaching staff on a multi-year deal, which is in the process of being finalized as of Friday afternoon, according to MassLive’s Sean McAdam. The terms of the contract haven’t been released yet, but McAdam indicated that the team is expected to make an official announcement soon.
This is good news for Boston, as Varitek has been a uniformed member of Alex Cora’s coaching staff since 2021. His guidance and preparation helped the Red Sox post the fifth-lowest ERA in baseball last season (3.70).
Now 53, Varitek has been with the organization since 1997. After a 15-year career as a catcher spent entirely with Boston, the former Red Sox captain has remained with the franchise in various leadership capacities since playing his final game in 2011.
Most of Cora’s coaching staff will also be back next year as the club looks to build on a strong 2025 season where it made the playoffs for the first time in four years. Varitek’s experience and wisdom makes him a valuable resource for many of the team’s rising stars, including young catcher Carlos Narvaez and the pitching staff.