Red Sox Reportedly Fire Assistant Hitting Coach Andy Barkett
By Adam Weinrib
Though the optics were different in 2019, the offense was far from the issue that kept the Boston Red Sox from repeating as World Series champions. However, when you suddenly become highly pedestrian one season after being a 108-win behemoth, heads must roll.
And, per MLB insider Mark Feinsand, one of them is assistant hitting coach Andy Barkett. He will not be returning to Boston's coaching staff in 2020.
According to a source, the Red Sox have parted ways with assistant hitting coach Andy Barkett.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) October 2, 2019
The standout Red Sox offense couldn't do enough to mask their myriad issues on the mound, but it must be noted that Barkett's tutelage helped lead to breakout seasons from Rafael Devers, who led the league in extra-base hits, and Xander Bogaerts, who leveled up after signing an extension in the offseason. The Sox were fourth in the MLB in runs scored and led all teams in doubles, but these puzzle pieces of offensive greatness simply didn't come together to form a complete picture.
Laugh. Think. Cry. #FullDay
— Andy Barkett (@abarkett17) October 2, 2019
Barkett joined the big league Red Sox after the 2017 season following 12 years of bouncing around various levels of the minors for different organizations. He managed the Pirates' Triple-A team, the Indianapolis Indians, in '17.
Amid restructuring, Barkett will likely not be the final Red Sox face to go.