Boston released a statement announcing the decision prior to its Sunday season finale against the Braves.

Ron Roenicke will not return as Red Sox manager in 2021.

Boston released a statement announcing the decision prior to its Sunday season finale against the Braves. Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said a search for the club’s next hire would begin immediately.

Boston entered its last game with a 23-36 mark. The Red Sox were one loss or one Baltimore win from finishing last in the American League East for the fourth time in the last nine years. Boston will set a new franchise worst in earned-run average and looks set for a full roster rebuild entering the offseason.

“Throughout this difficult season, Ron’s consistency and professionalism kept the environment in our clubhouse productive and gave all of our players room to grow and develop,” Bloom said in a statement. “While we believe that, moving forward, we will benefit from new leadership and new energy, that does not diminish how strongly we feel about Ron. He is a man of the highest character who cares about our players and the Red Sox organization.”

Roenicke was named interim manager in February after Boston mutually parted ways with Alex Cora. The Red Sox removed Roenicke’s interim tag in April when he was cleared in Major League Baseball’s investigation into the club’s 2018 electronic sign-stealing. Roenicke signed a one-year deal with a club option for next season.

Boston got off to a 6-18 start and never recovered. The Red Sox lost their first nine games to the Yankees and finished a combined 4-16 against New York and the Rays. Tampa Bay entered Sunday as the A.L. East champions and 16 games ahead of Boston.

“As bench coach, he helped this team win a world championship,” Bloom said. “As manager, he showed poise and leadership in navigating an extremely challenging year. We are grateful for all of his contributions in our uniform.”

The Red Sox were sellers ahead of the Aug. 31 trade deadline, dealing off veteran pieces like Brandon Workman, Heath Hembree, Mitch Moreland, Kevin Pillar and Josh Osich. That followed the February trade of Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers, with Alex Verdugo the lone current major leaguer received in return. Bloom was able to reset the club’s Competitive Balance Tax penalties by moving $42 million in salary due to Betts and Price this season.

Boston also dealt with a pair of significant absences in its starting rotation this season. Chris Sale had Tommy John surgery in late March, and the Red Sox didn’t acquire another elite starting pitcher to replace him. Eduardo Rodriguez developed myocarditis – an inflammation of his heart muscle – while recovering from COVID-19 and was shut down from all physical activity in late July.

Roenicke came to Boston in 2018 as the bench coach under Cora. The Red Sox set a new franchise record with 108 wins and became the first team to defeat three 100-win opponents in the playoffs. Boston steamed past the Yankees, Astros and Dodgers while capturing the club’s fourth championship this century.

Roenicke previously served as manager of the Brewers from 2011-15. He led Milwaukee to the National League Championship Series in his first season and compiled an overall record of 342-331. Roenicke has also worked in coaching roles with the Dodgers and Angels.