After the 2012 season, the Red Sox began negotiations with the Blue Jays to release Farrell from his contract so that he could return to Boston as manager for 2013. Ultimately, the Red Sox acquired the rights to Farrell in an October 21 trade for infielder Mike Avilés. Upon being named the Red Sox' manager, Farrell hired Lovullo on October 26, 2012, as his bench coach. After the Red Sox won the 2013 World Series, Lovullo was mentioned as a potential candidate to succeed Dale Sveum as manager of the Chicago Cubs for 2014, but he returned as Boston's bench coach. Then, upon the close of the 2014 season, Lovullo interviewed for managerial openings with the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins, but was a runner-up in each case.