Red Sox’s Jason Varitek Passed Over For Giants’ Managerial Job

The Boston Red Sox appear to have avoided losing one of the most valuable members of their organization.

In the weeks since ending their season, the Red Sox have seen some turnover across the organization. Chaim Bloom’s departure from the front office is undoubtedly the most impactful move, but it seemed like more was coming.

Jason Varitek has been with the Red Sox in some capacity since 1997, but was in consideration for a managerial opening this offseason. The 51-year-old had an “informational phone call” with the San Francisco Giants after they had requested permission from Boston to interview him for their opening.

He won’t be going anywhere, however.

Bob Melvin, who managed the Padres for the last two seasons, will leave San Diego to become the manager of the Giants, according to ESPN. He will replace former Red Sox outfielder Gabe Kapler, who went 295-248 in four seasons managing San Francisco and has interviewed as a potential replacement for Bloom in the Red Sox’s front office.

Major League Baseball is weird.

It isn’t the first time Varitek has been a candidate for a managerial opening, as he interviewed with the Seattle Mariners in 2015. His time in Boston will likely continue, though, as he signed a three-year contract extension last season.