As MLB’s investigation into allegations of the Boston Red Sox stealing signs nears a conclusion, Boston could also be closing in on its next manager. After parting ways with Alex Cora in January, the Red Sox are reportedly choosing between two internal candidates to become manager.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Boston is expected to decide between bench coach Ron Roenicke or third base coach Carlos Febles. While a timetable for an announcement isn’t known, pitchers and catchers are set to report for the team’s spring training on Feb. 11.
The Red Sox moved on from Cora after learning his prominent role in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing effort sin 2017. Cora is also being investigated for allegations that he brought similar methods to Boston in 2018 when they won the World Series.
Given the Red Sox reportedly wanted to wait to hire a new manager until MLB’s investigation concluded, the report could be a sign that MLB could be preparing its own announcement in the near future.
Roenicke served as the Milwaukee Brewers manager from 2011-15 and finished with a 342-331 record with one playoff appearance in 2011. He joined Boston’s coaching staff in 2018 as Cora’s bench coach.
Febles joined Boston’s staff as the third base coach in 2018. The 43-year-old began his coaching career in 2007 as a hitting coach in the minors leagues. He worked his way up from A-Ball manager in 2011 to High-A manager in 2012. Febles then became the skipper for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs.