The Boston Red Sox filled several coaching vacancies on Monday, promoting internal staff members to support interim manager Chad Tracy ahead of a series against the Toronto Blue Jays. This follows the dismissal of Alex Cora and five coaches on Saturday. Tracy praised the new additions for their experience and close working relationships.
Boston parted ways with manager Alex Cora, hitting coach Peter Fatse, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, third-base coach Kyle Hudson, and hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin on Saturday evening in Baltimore, after a 17-1 win. The move, led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and backed by owner John Henry and president Sam Kennedy, came amid a 10-17 start and tensions over roster philosophy and player development. Players including Trevor Story, Wilyer Abreu, and Carlos Narváez were reportedly emotional about the news at the team hotel. Breslow told reporters Sunday that the change provides a fresh start with 135 games left to compete for the division. Monday in Toronto, the Red Sox named José David Flores as interim bench coach. Flores, 55, had served as first-base coach and infield instructor, and previously as bench coach under Tracy in Triple-A Worcester since 2024. He also coached in the majors with the Phillies in 2018 and Orioles from 2019-20. Pablo Cabrera became interim first-base coach while retaining outfield coordinator duties; the 28-year-old joined the organization in 2023. Jack Simonetty, 26, was appointed interim hitting assistant coach after roles in the minors. Earlier moves included Chad Epperson as interim third-base coach and Collin Hetzler to the hitting staff, with John Soteropulos expected to take a hitting coach title. Tracy highlighted his bond with Flores: “He’s a great baseball man and one of my closest friends.” The pitching staff, including Andrew Bailey, Chris Holt, and Parker Guinn, remains unchanged. Nelson “Pepe” Paulino may join the hitting group soon.
