Familiar faces for Red Sox to consider
If Bloom goes in another direction to find his own candidate that separates him from the previous regime, there are several appealing options who could be available.
Jason Varitek will naturally emerge as a popular choice among fans. The long-time Red Sox catcher has served as a special adviser for the team since 2012 and he moved into an on-field coaching role with the catchers and pitchers a couple of years ago. He has no other coaching experience but Varitek has a brilliant baseball mind that many believe makes him an ideal fit as a manager.
While many fans would be excited about Varitek being selected, I don’t view it as a realistic option. Varitek has been lukewarm about accepting a managerial position that would take him away from his family. Even if he’s changed his mind, a team that intends to contend in the near future needs a leader with more experience. Varitek should be groomed as a minor league manager or bench coach before he gets considered for the position of Red Sox manager.
If Varitek failed due to his lack of experience it would put the organization in a tough position. Fans who adore him for what he did in his career might be left with bitter resentment that tarnishes his reputation in Boston. The front office might be hesitant to fire a manager who is so popular with the fan base even if his performance warranted his removal. Varitek has the ability to be a manager some day but hiring the fan-favorite before he’s ready would be a mistake.
If the Red Sox want to bring back a former player, Mark Kotsay would be a leading candidate. He spent time in the outfield and first base for the Red Sox from 2008-09. Kotsay was the hitting coach for the San Diego Padres before joining the Oakland A’s where he served as the bench coach and a quality control coach. He was considered for the managerial position with the Giants and Pirates last winter.
Former Red Sox infielder Mark Loretta is another option with ties to this organization. He served as a special assistant for the Padres before he was hired as Joe Maddon’s bench coach with the Chicago Cubs in 2019. Loretta interviewed for the managerial position when the Cubs let Maddon go but Chicago ultimately hired David Ross.