So What's Going On With Jason Varitek And The Red Sox?

Look, there are much bigger questions than I'm about to ask about the Red Sox this upcoming offseason. 

Like, will John Henry pony up the money to bring back Alex Bregman? 

And, will John Henry spend the money to bring in a No. 2 starting pitcher behind Garrett Crochet? 

Oh yeah, and will John Henry go all-in if Kyle Tucker's price ends up being affordable for one of the most profitable teams in baseball? 

But before we get to all of those...what the heck is going on with Jason Varitek? 

The former Red Sox captain had a coaching contract that expired after the 2025 season. He's been with the team as a full-time, uniformed coach since 2021. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported last week that, according to his sources, the "likeliest outcome" was for Tek to return to the Red Sox in the same role he had in 2025, “game planning and run prevention coach.” 

Varitek went on Boston radio a week ago today and said he hoped to be back with the team. 

“You have to see everything that goes on. Have I dumped everything I’ve had to make this organization better? And the people that you mentor, coach, and be a part of? Yes. Do I want to continue to do that? Yes,” Varitek said on WEEI. “But I have to see where it all lies.” 

Tek even mentioned in the interview that he was set to talk to Sox President of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow later in the day. 

A week later, no deal. 

And we know this because Varitek's wife took to X.com yesterday to say she's hoping he eventually gets a new deal to stay in Boston. She went so far as to mention a team that might be in the mix if the Sox deal doesn't happen. 

Does not sound like there is a deal in place, based on Mrs. Varitek openly mentioning the Braves here by quoting Sox fans' questions so she can give her opinion. 

Looking back on it, was Varitek in the studio at WEEI to drum up public support to bring him back? Red Sox fans LOVE Tek for what he meant to the organization. Are they playing hardball with the money? Are they trying to change his role? The team is expected to bring back virtually all of their coaches...what's the delay on a new deal for Varitek? 

He's on the record as saying he wants to be here. That's in contrast to what's gone on in the Red Sox front office, where assistant general manager Paul Toboni left for the Washington Nationals and their President of Baseball Ops gig. Toboni was expected to be Breslow's choice for Sox GM. The team also lost their amateur scouting director, Devin Pearson, to the Nats, so there's plenty of brain drain there under Breslow. 

The Sox made the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Sure sounds like the team is basically running it back with their coaches...but still not deal for Varitek. And a week after he was scheduled to meet with his boss, his wife is on social media saying she hopes a deal gets done. 

Tek is a beloved figure in Boston sports. The Sox moving on from him would be met with backlash from the fans. But based on the last week or so, you have to wonder if he's a lock to return to the dugout in 2026.