Boston Red Sox news Friday, November 6, 2026

No. 1 in the 30-second version

Yankees Triple-A manager Shelley Duncan has accepted a job on the Red Sox major league staff.

Duncan managed the RailRiders for the past four seasons, earning International League Manager of the Year honors in 2025, and was free to explore new roles when the contract expired. The Red Sox role is still to be determined, and a NY Daily News columnist thinks first or third base coach is likely given the gaps on Boston's staff.

Source: Pinstripe Alley

Red Sox are linked to several shortstops in trade chatter, including Elly De La Cruz and CJ Abrams.

Since the World Series ended, rumors have connected Boston with Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams and Otto Lopez. Rob Bradford wrote that Boston showed fairly significant interest in De La Cruz before the trade deadline, and Jim Bowden said the Red Sox will keep calling Washington about Abrams. Over the Monster notes these are unconfirmed reports.

Source: Over the Monster

Red Sox have the fourth-best 2027 title odds at DraftKings, +1100, per Over the Monster.

The fan blog says its own staff was split on the 2026 season, with most members calling it a failure. The author argues the Red Sox odds reflect that they are a good team, along with a possible boost from their large fanbase.

Source: Over the Monster

No. 2 in the 30-second version

Mets hiring Johnny Washington as co-hitting coach.

Joel Sherman reported this afternoon that, according to sources, the Mets are hiring Johnny Washington to be a co-hitting coach. Presumably, by hiring Washington, the Mets are replacing Jeff Albert’s previous role as director of hitting. Washington played minor-league and independent-league ball for several years before moving into coaching.

Sources: SNY · MLB.com · NY Post Sports · Amazin' Avenue

No. 3 in the 30-second version

Mariners introduce Jason Kanzler, a 36-year-old first-time manager, after firing Dan Wilson.

According to SB Nation's fan blog, Kanzler previously coached with the Astros and most recently served as the Cubs' farm director. Per Lookout Landing, a fan blog, Jerry Dipoto called Kanzler far and away the most impressive candidate the team interviewed. ESPN describes Kanzler as coming from an analytics and data-friendly background.

Sources: ESPN · CBS Sports · Lookout Landing

Yankees' Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger are named American League Silver Slugger finalists; winners announced November 17.

Rice is a finalist at DH after hitting 41 homers with a .534 slugging percentage, and SNY reports Yordan Alvarez is the other AL DH finalist. Bellinger, a finalist in the outfield, already has a Gold Glove this offseason, and a Silver Slugger would be his third. Per SB Nation, the awards are voted on by coaches and managers, not the BBWAA.

Sources: SNY · Pinstripe Alley

Blue Jays distance themselves from Anthony Santander's anti-Islam Instagram story posts.

USA Today reports Santander reportedly shared two videos to his Instagram story on Wednesday, Nov. 4, one captioned 'America voted for Sharia (law) last night!' and another reading 'Islam is not peaceful,' both after the midterm elections. The posts followed Abdul El-Sayed's Michigan Senate win, which NY Post reports will make him the first Muslim U.S. senator once he takes office in January. Santander, 32, was limited to 54 games in 2025 by shoulder injuries and is on a five-year, $92.5 million contract. Toronto's statement said 'Individual comments do not represent our organization's values and beliefs.'

Sources: USA TODAY Sports · Yahoo Sports · NY Post Sports

Athletics hire Brewers executive Cam Castro as general manager under new president Taylor Smith.

Castro spent seven years in Milwaukee's organization and was most recently the Brewers' senior vice president of player development and performance, according to ESPN. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported the hire, which Castro would be taking from the World Series champion Brewers. Castro will be Smith's second-in-command in the front office.

Sources: ESPN · Athletics Nation