The Boston Red Sox head into the offseason facing questions about how to get more out of an offense that enjoyed some strong moments, but was unable to maintain consistency throughout the season.
Despite a strong summer surge, Boston’s campaign ended with a sweep in the American League Wild Card Series, leaving the front office searching for ways to make the lineup more productive in 2027.
“For the 2026 Red Sox, offseason evaluations will be challenging for chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s staff, given the erratic nature of the team’s season,” Ian Browne wrote for MLB.com.
“While the Red Sox had one of the best pitching staffs this season, the offense lagged behind, with the exception of that sizzling summer stretch.”
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Braves Send Spencer Strider Warning After Unfortunate Injury Setback
Boston Red Sox Castoff Joins Hopeful National League Contender Shortly After Playoff Exit
The Red Sox already made one dramatic change to their offensive equation when they fired assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson in April as part of a dramatic overhaul, which included the departure of longtime manager Alex Cora.
And now, right after his former team’s season ended in a sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees, Lawson has joined a hopeful National League contender.
“The Marlins moved quickly to fill their open hitting coach job on Tuesday, hiring former Yankees hitting coach Dillon Lawson to replace Pedro Guerrero, who was dismissed late last month after two years on the job,” Barry Jackson reported for the Miami Herald.
Lawson brings experience across several levels of professional baseball and multiple organizations, including the Yankees and Red Sox.
“Lawson, 41, has previously served as the Yankees’ minor league hitting coordinator and major league hitting coach,” Steve Adams noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “He was an assistant hitting coach under Pete Fatse in Boston. He’s also previously coached in the (Houston) Astros’ system, in college ranks with multiple Division-I programs, and in the independent Frontier League.”
His most prominent major-league assignment came with the Yankees, where he served as hitting coach during the 2022 season before being dismissed in 2023. He subsequently joined Boston’s coaching staff, giving him experience with two high-profile American League organizations before this move to Miami.
For the Marlins, Lawson represents an opportunity to bring in a coach with familiarity across different offensive development systems. His challenge will be helping the club translate that experience into more consistent production at the plate after a season that saw them reach within eight games of a playoff berth.
FORBES | By Peter Chawaga
Cubs Mourn Former Outfielder, Hall Of Fame Scout And ‘Baseball Savant’ After Death
Boston Red Sox Face Lineup Questions After Tumultuous Season, Coaching Overhaul
Boston’s offensive struggles leave the club with several decisions to make as it builds toward next season. The Red Sox will need to assess which hitters can rebound, whether the current coaching approach needs further adjustments and how best to complement a pitching staff that was among the team’s strengths.
Lawson’s departure was one small part of that larger evaluation. His time in Boston was limited but the change does give the Marlins a coach with major-league experience as they try to improve their own lineup.
After a season that swung from a difficult opening stretch to a remarkable summer run and then a postseason exit, Boston has plenty to address. Lawson will now try to help Miami build momentum of its own.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com