The MLB coaching carousel never stops turning, but some names are more important than others. When a player who used to scare pitchers all over the league asks all 30 teams for a coaching job, it makes you wonder how the game treats its former stars. This slugger has two World Series rings, 555 career home runs, and a batting style that defined an era, but he is on the outside looking in.

Manny Ramírez wants to be back in baseball. The 53-year-old MLB Red Sox legend has made it clear through his agent that he wants to pass on his hitting skills to a new generation. Ramírez was the key player in Boston’s historic 2004 World Series run, which ended an 86-year championship drought. He then led the team to another title in 2007. His eight straight All-Star selections with Boston and his later induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame show how important he was. The trade that sent Jason Bay from Boston to Los Angeles in 2008 marked the end of an era, but people are still wondering what his legacy will be.

Jon Heyman’s recent post on X captured the situation plainly: “Manny Ramirez is getting word out to all 30 teams he’d love to serve as an MLB hitting coach.” Agent Hector Zepeda framed it directly: “He wants to bring his greatness to teach the young guys.” The credentials back up the pitch—555 home runs, a .312 batting average, and a .996 OPS across 19 seasons.

Ramírez’s stats tell the story of a great hitter. Nine Silver Slugger awards, 1,831 RBIs, and that’s amazing. With a career average of 312, he is one of the best offensive players in baseball history. The shadow of PED suspensions makes his story more complicated, but his basic talent is still clear. Now, teams have to decide if they can tell the difference between the controversy and the coaching potential. Ramírez thinks that his ability to hit the ball and his approach at the plate can help young hitters get better. The off-season’s most interesting subplot is whether any organization agrees.

Ramírez is waiting for teams to respond to his coaching offers, but his old team has its own roster decisions to make right away. The Red Sox are dealing with a different kind of uncertainty now, one that has to do with a current star instead of a past legend.

MLB’s Boston offseason drama continues

Ramírez is looking for a coaching job, but his old team isn’t sure who will be on its roster. Boston is scrambling to figure out what to do at third base because Alex Bregman might leave, but the situation is more complicated than just an opt-out.

Bregman gave Boston exactly what they needed in his first season: strong right-handed power and great defense at the hot corner. His stats showed that he was worth the money, but he was worth more than just numbers. The veteran spent a lot of time helping Boston’s up-and-coming players, like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. That kind of leadership doesn’t show up in stats, but it makes a big difference in championship cultures.

Jon Heyman addressed the situation during a Bleacher Report livestream, offering a perspective that calmed anxious fans. “Everything’s worked out great in Boston with Bregman,” Heyman explained. “So just because he’s opting out doesn’t mean he’s leaving. Why would he leave? Maybe he will if he gets a much better offer somewhere else. But I mean, he is a great fit for Boston. That city, that ballpark with the Green Monster. He had a nice year. So many young guys. It’s great to have a veteran of the playoffs.”

Heyman placed Boston as the frontrunner to retain their third baseman, stating they remain “the most likely candidate to sign Bregman, or re-sign Bregman. Great fit. They have the money from Devers. They need a third baseman. I do think Boston is No. 1.” The financial flexibility exists, the positional need remains clear, and the partnership proved successful. Red Sox fans have reason for optimism.

During the offseason, Boston faces two problems at once: keeping its current star while an old one tries to make up for past mistakes. Bregman’s problem seems like it can be fixed with money and shared interest. Ramírez needs something harder to get: forgiveness and trust from groups that are still worried about his troubled past. In the coming months, both stories will show how the Red Sox and the rest of baseball deal with performance and perception.