Red Sox, Jason Varitek Resolve Contract Situation For Next Season: Report
May 27, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Boston Red Sox coach Jason Varitek watches third inning action against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Jason Varitek has been a member of the Boston Red Sox organization since he was traded there as a catching prospect in 1997. Now a member of the coaching staff, that means 2026 will be his 30th season -- and it appears all potential roadblocks to Year 30 have been cleared away.
Varitek and the Red Sox hadn't come to terms on a new contract for the upcoming season, which was noteworthy because shortly after the current season ended in the wild-card round at the beginning of the month, most of the remainder of the coaching staff was confirmed to be returning.
The mystery appears to be over, though, as on Friday, Sean McAdam of MassLive reported that the Red Sox and Varitek were finalizing a multi-year deal that would keep him in Boston in his current position.
Varitek staying on in Boston
"Varitek’s contract as the team’s game-planning and run-prevention coach expired at the end of the season," McAdam wrote. "There had been speculation that Varitek might receive some interest as a managerial candidate elsewhere, but it appears that there were no requests to interview him.
"It’s unknown how long the new deal is for, though one industry source speculated that it would run through the 2027 season to alignwith manager Alex Cora’s deal."
Varitek retired after the 2011 season as a player, having served as the team's captain from 2005 onward and won two World Series titles. He then served in an advisory role in the front office from 2012 to 2018, and after a year where he didn't appear in the staff directory, he was first named to the coaching staff in 2020.
Red Sox starting catcher Carlos Narváez has been vocal about how much Varitek has helped his development, so no one is likely to be happier about the news of the former captain's return.
Boston's coaching staff appears just about set, as the only other noteworthy item was parting ways with assistant hitting coach Ben Rosenthal and bringing in John Soteropulos in his place.
"Kevin Jr. Opens Up: 'As Long As I Have My Son, I’m Going to Be Good!'"
In the most difficult moments of life, the presence of family and the power of love can become an invaluable source of strength to keep moving forward. Kevin Jr., a beloved figure in the community, recently shared a deeply emotional message about his healing journey after facing personal challenges.
"With my son by my side, I know I’m going to be good."
These words from Kevin Jr. not only moved his fans but also inspired countless people who may be struggling with their own hardships. He opened up about his recovery process, acknowledging that despite the pain and struggles he has faced, having his son beside him has been the driving force that keeps him going. There is no fixed "recovery timeline," and as Kevin Jr. shared, he is still on his journey of healing, supported by the love of his family.
"Thank you for all the prayers and love, because healing doesn’t have a timestamp!"
This sentiment truly touched the hearts of millions. Kevin Jr. has not only found support from his loved ones but also from his fans, who have followed him every step of the way and sent their heartfelt encouragement. He emphasized that healing is a long process that cannot be measured by time, and sometimes, all it takes is the love and support from others to lift one’s spirits.
Kevin Jr. stated that in every trial he faces, his son is always by his side, acting as an endless source of strength. The unconditional love of a child is the most powerful mental medicine anyone could need. His words serve as a reminder of the importance of family and the impact of loved ones when it comes to overcoming life’s obstacles.
"As long as I have my son by my side, I will never give up."
This is the powerful message that Kevin Jr. wants to convey to anyone who is currently facing difficulties in life. By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire those who may feel hopeless about themselves or their future.
Let’s continue to pray and send our best wishes to Kevin Jr. on his recovery journey. Don’t forget to follow his emotional path on social media and keep supporting him with love! 💙🙏🏽
