The Boston Red Sox shook up Alex Cora’s coaching staff to begin the offseason.
The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier and The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey reported Tuesday the Red Sox parted way with six coaches — first base 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 — less than two weeks since the conclusion of a disappointing season.
Fox was Boston’s first base coach for just one season and also coordinated infield instruction after spending two seasons as the Red Sox field coordinator. The Red Sox struggled defensively under Fox’s watch, leading the American League in errors each of the last two seasons.
Boston also had its troubles at the plate over the second half of this season, which presumably factored into Ortiz’s dismal. The Red Sox hit .249 after the All-Star break and had a difficult time generating consistent offense. They also had a low moment in late September when they struck out 20 times in an extra-inning loss to the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park.
The organization also said goodbye to Walker with Boston’s ineffective bullpen probably playing a part in the role. The Red Sox routinely blew saves over the second half of the season, costing them a chance at a playoff spot.
According to MassLive’s Sean McAdam, pitching coach Andrew Bailey, hitting coach Pete Fatse, third base coach/outfielder and baserunning instructor Kyle Hudson, game planning coordinator/ catching instructor Jason Varitek, bench coach Ramon Vazquez and assistant hitting coach Ben Rosenthal are all expected to return next season.
Cora secured his future at the helm of the Red Sox when signed a three-year contract extension in July.