WooSox sets 2026 field staff; Tracy back as manager

WooSox manager returns for fifth season as Worcester staff largely intact

Chad Tracy returns for a fifth season to manage the WooSox (photo credit: Ashley Green)

WORCESTER—Stability returns to Polar Park this spring.

The Worcester Red Sox revealed Friday that manager Chad Tracy returns for a fifth season in 2026, leading a largely unchanged coaching staff as the WooSox get ready for its sixth year in Worcester.

Tracy, who has managed Worcester since 2022, boasts winning records in each of his first four seasons and reached the 300-win mark as WooSox manager last summer. He holds a 309–285 record in Worcester and 485 career managerial wins, including time in the Los Angeles Angels’ system.

The WooSox finished the 2025 season 76–73, marking their fourth consecutive winning year under Tracy. During his tenure, dozens of players have moved from Worcester to Boston, including Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Connor Wong, Jarren Duran, Triston Casas and Brayan Bello.

The rest of Worcester’s core field staff also returns to the Polar diamond in 2026. Pitching coach Dan DeLucia, hitting coach Collin Hetzler, defensive coach Iggy Suarez, bullpen coach Noah Junis and player development hitting advisor Rich Gedman are all back. Athletic trainers Scott Gallon and Nick Kuchwara return alongside strength and conditioning coach Nick LaRue.

Johnny Reina was promoted from Double-A Portland to serve as assistant hitting coach in Worcester (photo credit: Ashley Green)
Johnny Reina was promoted from Double-A Portland to serve as assistant hitting coach in Worcester (photo credit: Ashley Green)

One notable addition is Johnny Reina, who was promoted from Double-A Portland to serve as assistant hitting coach in Worcester. Reina replaces Doug Clark, while longtime WooSox development coach Brendan Connelly moves into a new role as the Boston Red Sox’s assistant of player development. He won’t be replaced at the Triple-A level.

Gedman, a Worcester native and Red Sox Hall of Famer, continues in his player development advisory role while working with the WooSox during home games. He previously served as Worcester’s first hitting coach and remains the longest-tenured Triple-A hitting coach in Red Sox history, dating back to Pawtucket.

DeLucia enters his third season as Worcester pitching coach after overseeing a staff that included a record number of pitchers and multiple promotions to Boston in recent seasons, according to the release.

The WooSox open the 2026 season at Polar Park on Friday, March 27, hosting the Syracuse Mets at 4:05 p.m.

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