manager

Red Sox Fire Manager John Farrell After 2nd Straight ALDS Defeat

What to Know

  • John Farrell will not be back for the 2018 season after five years as Red Sox manager, the team announced Wednesday.
  • The news comes two days after the team was ousted in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season.
  • Farrell led the team to a World Series win in 2013, last place finishes in 2014 and 2015, and AL East titles the last two years.

The Boston Red Sox fired manager John Farrell on Wednesday after the team's second straight loss in the AL Division Series.

Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski said he is looking to name a new manager, "as quickly as possible." Dombrowski added that he has a list of candidates.

"We did do a great job of collectively winning the division, but when you're sitting in my situation at the end of the year you combine a lot of different factors involved and combine all those at a particular time and that's why I thought it was time for a change," Dombrowski said.

When pressed for reasons for Farrell's departure, Dombrowski avoided giving specifics.

Dombrowski said all the Red Sox coaches are signed through the 2018 season, but he expects the new manager to consider bringing in his own coaches.

Farrell issued a statement following his departure from the team.

"Despite an end to this season that we all wanted to be different, I am proud of this ball club and the resiliency shown. I have enjoyed every moment of this job - its peaks and its valleys. There are few, if any, positions in life that create so much passion on a daily basis....I am especially grateful for five years of great players - and people. This game has always been built around and for the players, and I have tried to respect that for five years in Boston. I have witnessed Hall of Famers, memorable Fenway wins, and countless private moments that will always be with me. Those relationships will remain cherished for years." Farrell said.

Farrell, 55, just finished his fifth season as the team's manager. This season ended on a sour note as the Sox lost to the Houston Astros 5-4 on Monday to end their playoff run. Farrell was tossed from the game in the second inning for arguing with the home plate umpire.

Farrell led the Sox to a World Series in 2013, his first season as manager. But the team finished in last place in 2014 and 2015 before winning the American League East the past two seasons. He began his coaching career with Boston as pitching coach from 2007-2010. He was part of the team's 2007 World Series title.

His contract ran through the 2018 season.

Farrell said after losing to the Astros that the team didn't meet its goals but had some good young players continue to develop.

"We had a number of challenges thrown our way from individual injuries to performance," he said. "But as a team they stuck together."

Farrell was unavailable Tuesday as Boston's players cleaned out their lockers and departed for the offseason.

Boston won 93 games this season despite losing the bat of retired slugger David Ortiz. It also did it despite starting the season with $217 million pitcher David Price on the disabled list and watching as 2016 Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello stumbled to an 11-17 record.

The season featured a second straight All-Star appearance by Mookie Betts and the arrival of Rafael Devers. Other young cogs like Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Andrew Benintendi also were key contributors.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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