The Boston Red Sox are wasting no time shaking things up this offseason. After a 2025 campaign that saw them claw their way into the playoffs but fall short of their full potential, the team is making bold moves to address their offensive woes. On Monday, a significant change hit the headlines: the Red Sox are reportedly parting ways with assistant hitting coach Ben Rosenthal, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Rosenthal, 46, has been a fixture in Boston’s coaching ranks for four seasons, joining the organization after a stint with the Houston Astros. While it’s not exactly a pink slip—assistant coaches often work on short-term contracts—the decision signals the Red Sox’s intent to shake up their offensive strategy. The team struggled with consistency at the plate in 2025, finishing seventh in runs scored and ninth in team OPS. More glaringly, they racked up the eighth-most strikeouts in baseball, with a league-worst 394 whiffs with runners in scoring position—a full 31 more than the next closest team.
Hired alongside hitting coach Pete Fatse in the 2021 offseason, Rosenthal brought a wealth of experience from his playing days in the St. Louis Cardinals’ system and independent leagues, followed by coaching roles at the high school, college, and professional levels. His time with the Astros in 2017, coincidentally Alex Cora’s final year in Houston, marked his first foray into MLB coaching. Despite his contributions, the Red Sox seem eager to pivot, likely seeking fresh perspectives to ignite their lineup.
Meanwhile, the rest of the coaching staff is largely staying put. Assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, who joined in 2024, is expected to return, as is gameplanning coordinator Jason Varitek—unless the Red Sox legend opts to explore managerial openings elsewhere. Hitting coach Pete Fatse is also safe, poised to lead the offensive charge into 2026.
The Red Sox’s decision to move on from Rosenthal comes just a day after reports confirmed that manager Alex Cora’s core coaching crew would remain intact. Clearly, the front office is opting for targeted tweaks rather than a full overhaul. Whether Boston will bring in a new offensive assistant to fill Rosenthal’s shoes remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the Red Sox are ready to swing for the fences in 2026, and they’re not afraid to make tough calls to get there.