Why Pete Fatse’s lingering presence could still be affecting the Red Sox' offensive capabilities

The Boston Red Sox have been getting it together recently, sweeping their last series against the Kansas City Royals on the road. Their offense seems to have become consistent, as the coaching change might have been just what they needed. 

However, the Red Sox still continue to struggle at the plate sometimes. And it seems like the reason why may have revealed itself: Some key Sox players are still in contact with former hitting coach Pete Fatse, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

“Fatse has remained in touch with key Red Sox since his firing, lending an ear — and some stability — even from afar… Modern hitters work with whom they’re comfortable, so it hasn’t come as a surprise that hitters have continued to seek the advice of the fired coaches in the 3-plus weeks since their dismissals,” Cotillo wrote.

A recap of the Fatse era in Boston

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Fatse became the hitting coach of Boston in the winter of 2022. In that time, the Sox’ hitting started to depreciate, and get worse and worse every season. 

They missed the playoffs every year except last year, when the Sox brought in some outside hitters and called up top prospects. Then, they lost a star outside bat in Alex Bregman this offseason, and the top prospects had a whole offseason to work with Fatse, and all of them had a cold start to 2026.

New era Sox are actually decent

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In the 22 games under the new regime, the Red Sox are 12-10, two games under .500. While that only seems a bit over mediocre, keep in mind, they were 10-17 before that with their old coaching staff. 

If the Red Sox had this new regime, they would be in a much better place. Right now, they are only two games out of the Wild Card with a record of 22-27. If they were 25-24 or 26-23, they would be at least tied for the second Wild Card slot.

Boston players need to make a choice

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The key players that are still in contact with Fatse and the old coaches need to make a choice: either fully buy into the new regime, which is only made a few key changes, or try and keep up the old ways and miss the playoffs. 

If they can do the former, their offense may finally wake up permanently, salvaging the disaster that was the start of this season.

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