Salem Defensive Coach

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:

The Player Development department is dedicated to fostering the comprehensive growth of our minor league players. Our mission is to excel in optimizing talent and skill development while aligning with player and team objectives. Our approach involves the creation of world class player programs and efficiently scaling them across our player pool. Collaborating closely with baseball analytics, performance, and medical, we establish effective frameworks for experimentation and learning. Additionally, we work closely with Amateur Scouting, International Scouting, and Pro Scouting to ensure seamless player transitions into the Red Sox organization.


POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Salem Defensive Coach is primarily responsible for the on-field implementation, execution, and tracking of evidence-based defensive and baserunning development for minor league players at our Single-A Affiliate in Salem, VA. The candidate will play a key role in carrying out individual player plans, designing and leading daily defensive practice, and translating organizational priorities into a high-quality on-field training environment. This includes, but is not limited to, delivering advanced reports and game plans, leading the defensive portion of player performance meetings, and reporting progress against organizationally defined KPIs. As part of the responsibilities, the Defensive Coach will educate and collaborate with players and field staff to maximize departmental buy-in. Additionally, with a focus on the intersection of coaching, technology, and Baseball Science, this position will help drive cross-departmental collaboration to build effective synergies and improve information sharing. The role will report to the Field Coordinator and work daily alongside the affiliate manager, coaching staff, and performance and medical personnel. The ideal candidate must be inquisitive, intellectually curious, data-driven, growth-minded, and must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.


This position is seasonal, with full-time consideration for candidates with relevant experience.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the Field Coordinator and affiliate coaching staff to design and implement daily defensive and baserunning practice plans that advance individual player priorities.
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• Coordinate with affiliate coaching staff to organize the workday, sequence training blocks, and maximize on-field efficiency.
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• Deliver advanced reports and game plans to position players, translating scouting and analytics inputs into actionable in-game decisions.
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• Lead the defensive portion of Player Performance Meetings and report on position player progress against organization and individual goals.
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• Implement and uphold the defense and baserunning training environments at the assigned affiliate, establishing expectations, standards, and systems that sustain a world class training environment throughout the season.
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• Maintain consistent communication with the Field Coordinator and Player Development leadership in order to streamline organizational workflows and surface developmental insights from the affiliate.
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• Contribute to the evaluation of amateur, international, and professional players as requested by Player Development leadership and Scouting.
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• Support minor league Spring Training, 1st Year Player Camp, and Off-Season Training Programs as directed by Player Development leadership.
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COMPETENCIES:

• Evaluate and prescribe best-in-class drills to address individual player deficiencies, leveraging technology and tracking data to verify intent and measure progress.
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• Develop organizationally aligned programming with defined defensive and baserunning KPIs, distilling large volumes of data into clear, high-leverage areas of development for each player.
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• Cultivate trust and player buy-in through clear communication, intentional teaching, and consistent follow-through.
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In addition to the above requirements, all roles within Baseball Operations are expected to effectively demonstrate our universal competencies related to problem solving, teamwork, clarity of communication, and time management, along with embodying our culture of honesty, humility, relentlessness, and commitment to DEIB.