Red Sox Behavior Hints Jason Varitek Could Be Named Team's Bench Coach

Any Red Sox fan's first thought when Alex Cora parted ways with Boston last month was obvious: who the heck is going to replace him?

The Red Sox eventually named Ron Roenicke as Cora's successor, but a lot of people thought they'd give the position to former catcher Jason Varitek. The 47-year old played his entire career in Boston from 1997 through 2011 and has since served in a special assistant role in the team's front office. Varitek may not be the next Red Sox manager but there's a chance he's joining the coaching staff.

The #RedSox have dodging questions about who the bench coach will be. So worth noting that Jason Varitek stood next to Ron Roenicke during the game today. Varitek also has been a much more noticeable presence in camp, too, when compared to previous seasons.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) February 21, 2020

Boston has been hush-hush answering questions about who its next bench coach could be, but some think it's obviously Varitek.

He's been around the club more this Spring Training relative to years past, and Varitek stood by Roenicke during Friday's exhibition against Northeastern University. The switch-hitting Varitek even got on the diamond this week to give his insight to Boston's catchers.

“Tek, you should have been the manager,” a fan tells Jason Varitek. #redsox pic.twitter.com/jO2DOTil7l
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) February 12, 2020

Varitek was a fan-favorite in his 15 seasons with the Red Sox. He's never had any coaching experience so it wouldn't make sense to throw him directly into the fire as Boston's manager, but starting out at bench coach he'd be able to shadow Roenicke and learn the ropes. If the Red Sox ever announce Varitek as their bench coach, don't be surprised if he's actually just their manager-in-waiting.