The Boston Red Sox are wasting no time making significant changes after a disappointing finish to their 2023 season. The team recently announced the firings of pitching coach Dave Bush and third base/infield coach Carlos Febles, signaling their commitment to addressing the challenges that plagued them throughout the year.
The decision comes after the Red Sox’s last-place finish in the AL East, a far cry from their aspirations as a storied franchise. After a season filled with struggles on the mound and in the field, the organization believes it’s time for a fresh start in the coaching department.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora was candid about the need for improvement in coaching the team’s players. He emphasized the importance of adapting coaching strategies to enhance player performance, a sentiment shared during a recent meeting with the coaching staff.
Cora’s vision for the future is clear: “We just had a meeting an hour ago with our coaching staff, and the tone of our conversation was we have to find ways to improve our players,” he stated. “You have to be willing to adjust what we have tried to do the last few years for them to improve.”
While Cora does not believe that personnel changes are the sole solution to the team’s issues, he acknowledges that the coaching staff must proactively seek ways to help players excel.
Dave Bush, the pitching coach, had been promoted to oversee the big-league pitchers in 2019 and played a significant role in guiding the injury-prone rotation to a remarkable comeback in 2021 when they reached the ALCS. However, this season saw the team struggle on the mound, with a 4.52 ERA (21st in the league) and a 4.68 ERA from the starters (22nd).
On the defensive side, Carlos Febles faced challenges related to the team’s fielding performance. The Red Sox ranked last in outs above average (50) for the season, and their struggles were evident in runs allowed (40), according to Statcast.
While the decision to part ways with these coaches reflects the team’s desire for a fresh start and a commitment to addressing their weaknesses, it’s important to note that Cora recognizes that the 2023 season’s shortcomings were not for lack of effort. The team is now focused on rebuilding and reshaping its coaching staff to pave the way for future success.
