The Giants could go from one former Red Sox to another in their manager’s office.
According to The New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the Giants requested to interview former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek for their managerial job. Gabe Kapler, who was dismissed from the post with three games left in the 2023 season, was Varitek’s teammate on the 2004 championship team.
Varitek, 51, spent his entire 15-year playing career with the Red Sox. He has most recently served as Boston’s player information coach, a uniformed role that had him working closely with manager Alex Cora.
As player information coach, Varitek was involved with game planning. He had previously been a special assistant in Boston’s front office and also worked as their catching coach. In 2022, Varitek signed a three-year contract to remain on Boston’s coaching staff, per MassLive.
A three-time All-Star, Varitek was always viewed as a consummate teammate and clubhouse leader. He was named team captain after Boston won the 2004 World Series, breaking an 86-year championship drought. Varitek helped the team to a second World Series ring in 2007.
If Varitek decides to interview, he would join a reported list of candidates that includes Kai Correa, Mark Hallberg, Alyssa Nakken and Stephen Vogt. Former hitting coach Donnie Ecker could also be in the mix whenever the Rangers’ season ends.
All of them would be first-time managers.
At his end of season press conference, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said the team would be open to a rookie manager. What makes Varitek different than other potential candidates is his lack of familiarity with Zaidi and connection the Bay Area.
“I’ve worked with seven managers in my time in baseball, and they all had different styles,” Zaidi said. “I think five of them won Manager of the Year. My role’s been different in those different organizations, but my relationships have been different with them too. At least from my experience, one thing I’ve learned is there are no absolutes.”