Report: Red Sox nearing deal to hire former SF Giants pitching coach

The Boston Red Sox are on the verge of finalizing a contract to hire former SF Giants pitching coach Andrew Bailey, per multiple reports.

Marc Delucchi | Nov 15, 2023

Report: Red Sox nearing deal to hire former SF Giants pitching coach /

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The SF Giants made it official on Tuesday that Andrew Bailey would not be the team's pitching coach in 2024, announcing that Bryan Price would fill that role on Bob Melvin's staff. Before the end of the day, though, Bailey's future had come into view. According to reports by The Athletic and The Boston Globe, Bailey is finalizing a deal to become the Boston Red Sox pitching coach. Bailey had also interviewed for jobs with the Yankees and Orioles.

SF Giants starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani (left) watches a tablet with pitching coach Andrew Bailey (right) during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park. (2023) — SF Giants SP Anthony DeSclafani (left) talking with coach Andrew Bailey (right). (2023) / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a longstanding belief throughout the industry that Bailey hoped to return to the East Coast. Given San Francisco's decision to delay announcing a new pitching coach until the eve of Bailey nearing a deal with the Red Sox, it seems like they were leaving the door open in case he wanted to return. However, Bailey had allowed his contract with the Giants to expire after the 2023 season, making him one of the top coaching free agents.

Bailey became the Giants pitching coach prior to the 2020 season by manager Gabe Kapler. As the Giants saw pitchers like Kevin Gausman, Logan Webb, Carlos Rodón, Anthony DeSclafani, Alex Cobb, and others reach new levels of success in San Francisco, Bailey quickly built a reputation as one of the best pitching coaches in professional baseball. In fact, the New York Mets requested permission to interview Bailey for a bench coach opening last offseason, but their request was denied by the Giants.

Bailey played in the major leagues from 2009-2017, winning the 2009 American League Rookie of the Year award and receiving two All-Star selections during his tenure as the Oakland Athletics closer. After three seasons with the A's, Bailey was traded to the Red Sox. He went on to also have stints with the Yankees, Phillies, and Angels.

Following his playing career, Bailey immediately joined the Angels' coaching staff as an instant replay coordinator and coaching assistant. After one season, he was promoted to bullpen coach. A year later, he had been hired by the SF Giants. Now, though, he will be returning to Fenway Park, hoping to help the Red Sox return to the top of the American League East.

Published Nov 15, 2023

MARC DELUCCHI

Marc Delucchi (he/they/she) serves as the Managing Editor at Giants Baseball Insider, leading their SF Giants coverage. As a freelance journalist, he has previously covered the San Francisco Giants at Around the Foghorn and McCovey Chronicles. He also currently contributes to Niners Nation, Golden State of Mind, and Baseball Prospectus. He has previously been featured in several other publications, including SFGate, ProFootballRumors, Niners Wire, GrandStand Central, Call to the Pen, and Just Baseball. Over his journalistic career, Marc has conducted investigations into how one prep baseball player lost a college opportunity during the pandemic (Baseball Prospectus) and the rampant mistreatment of players at the University of Hawaii football program under former head coach Todd Graham (SFGate). He has also broken dozens of news stories around professional baseball, primarily around the SF Giants organization, including the draft signing of Kyle Harrison, injuries and promotions to top prospects like Heliot Ramos, and trade details in the Kris Bryant deal. Marc received a Bachelor's degree from Kenyon College with a major in economics and a minor in Spanish. During his time in college, he conducted a summer research project attempting to predict the future minor-league performance of NCAA hitters, worked as a data analyst for the school's Women's basketball team, and worked as a play-by-play announcer/color commentator for the basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. He also worked as an amateur baseball scout with the Collegiate Baseball Scouting Network (later renamed Evolution Metrix), scouting high school and college players for three draft cycles. For tips and inquiries, feel free to reach out to Marc directly on Twitter or via email (delucchimarc@gmail.com).