Craig Breslow Explains Reason For Elevating 26-Year-Old To Red Sox’s Coaching Staff originally appeared on NESN.
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Amid a flurry of coaching changes following the firing of Alex Cora and multiple other coaches, the Boston Red Sox made a surprising move by elevating Jack Simonetty to serve as an interim hitting assistant for the squad.
Simonetty, 26, was serving as a hitting coach in Boston’s rookie ball team in the Florida Complex League, but has jumped five minor league levels to join the Red Sox’s coaching staff.
The #RedSox today announced the following changes to their 2026 Major League coaching staff: pic.twitter.com/9tfiJA7h7V
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 27, 2026
At just 26 years old, Simonetty will be the youngest member of Boston’s coaching staff, joining a young hitting group that reportedly includes 32-year-old John Soteropulos and 35-year-old Collin Hetzler, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Red Sox bringing up Pablo Cabrera as 1B coach, per @alexspeier. Chad Epperson is 3B coach. Titles on the hitting staff: John Soteropulos and Collin Hetzler are both “hitting coaches” now, per sources.
Andrew Bailey, Chris Holt, Parker Guinn keep their titles.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) April 27, 2026
Among the 13 hitting coaches that Boston had across its six minor league affiliate teams, why did the team choose to elevate Simonetty? Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow explained his decision, citing Simonetty’s technical skills as a big reason for his promotion.
“I think what we’re looking for just fits kind of his skill set and experiences given he’s worked in the video space, running technology, collecting information,” Breslow said, as transcribed by MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “Just making sure that our players feel like they’re as prepared as possible to go out and compete every night.
“We’re excited. He’s got a great way about him. He’s going to build relationships, but he’s also just a tireless worker. And sometimes a lot of aspects of these roles can be kind of thankless. And we know that he’s just going to put his head down and just do everything possible to help the guys.”
Simonetty worked alongside interim manager Chad Tracy in Worcester as a minor league affiliate video and technology associate in 2023 and has a background in sports management and sports analytics. Though he may be young, Breslow believes in his skill set and believes he can make a positive impact on the team.
More MLB: Alex Cora Reportedly Turned Down Phillies Manager Job Offer For This Reason