After missing the playoffs for three straight seasons, the Boston Red Sox seem to have shifted into a “win now” mentality.
Sweeping changes are coming to Boston’s coaching staff in 2025. Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox will part ways with six coaches — first base/infield coach Andy Fox, bullpen coach Kevin Walker, assistant hitting coach Luis Ortiz, mental skills coach Rey Fuentes, trainer Ben Chadwick and bullpen catcher Mani Martinez will depart the organization.
Fox and Walker have been with the Sox organization for over a decade, and Martinez for almost 20 years. Fox’s tenure with the Red Sox began in 2011 as a minor league coordinator. He worked his way up to field coordinator before being promoted to first base/infield coach before the 2024 slate. History repeats itself as Boston’s previous infield coordinator, Carlos Febles, was fired before the 2024 season.
Walker started with the Red Sox in 2008 and worked in every minor league level before being promoted to the big leagues in 2019. Martinez joined the organization in 2005 and served as Boston’s bullpen catcher for over half that time.
Red Sox part ways with six coaches to bring significant changes for 2025
Chadwick and Ortiz came to the Red Sox in 2014 and 2022, respectively. Chadwick began as Double-A Portland’s strength and conditioning coach before holding the same job with the WooSox for three years. He was promoted to the majors before the 2023 season. Ortiz played for the Red Sox between 1996-97 and coached in the Padres, Dodgers and Rangers organizations before joining the Sox in 2022.
The rest of Boston’s coaching staff — pitching coach Andrew Bailey, hitting coach Peter Fatse, game-planning coordinator Jason Varitek, and others — remain with the team.
The Red Sox’s infield defense looked as rough as ever, they struck out at a high clip and the bullpen fell apart like never before during crucial games. Alex Cora’s coaching staff will get a new look just months after he signed a three-year extension with Boston. Hopefully, the changes will translate to success in those areas next year.