The Boston Red Sox announced the dismissal of manager Alex Cora and six members of the coaching staff on Saturday evening, following a 10-17 start to the 2026 season. The decision was announced shortly after the team's 17-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Chad Tracy, previously manager of the team's Triple-A affiliate in Worcester, has been named interim manager.
"The idea that this was some predetermined outcome is just not true." — Craig Breslow, Chief Baseball Officer
Personnel Changes
Manager and Coaches Dismissed
- Alex Cora, manager (second stint; previously managed from 2018–2019 and returned in 2021)
- Peter Fatse, hitting coach
- Dillon Lawson, assistant hitting coach
- Joe Cronin, major league hitting strategy coach
- Ramón Vázquez, bench coach
- Kyle Hudson, third base/outfield coach
Reassigned
- Jason Varitek, game planning and run prevention coach, has been reassigned to an unspecified role within the organization
Retained
- Andrew Bailey, pitching coach
- Chris Holt, bullpen coach
- Devin Rose, major league pitching strategist
Interim Coaching Staff Appointments
- Chad Tracy, interim manager (formerly manager of Triple-A Worcester Red Sox)
- José David Flores, interim bench coach (formerly Worcester bench coach)
- Chad Epperson, interim third base coach (formerly manager of Double-A Portland Sea Dogs)
- Pablo Cabrera, interim first base coach/outfield instructor
- Collin Hetzler, hitting staff addition
- Jack Simonetty, hitting assistant
Team Performance
The Red Sox entered Saturday with a 10-17 record, placing them last in the American League East. The team's offensive production was below league average, with a .226/.306/.335 batting line and a 78 wRC+, the lowest in Major League Baseball. Among qualified hitters, only Wilyer Abreu (130 wRC+) and Willson Contreras (115 wRC+) performed above league average. The team ranked 26th in runs per game before Saturday's win and 24th in team ERA.
Timeline of Events
- 2018: Cora led the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 wins and a World Series title in his first season as manager
- January 2020: Cora stepped down following MLB's investigation into the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scheme, in which he was implicated
- 2021: Cora returned as manager and led the team to the American League Championship Series
- September 2023: Chaim Bloom was replaced as chief baseball officer by Craig Breslow
- July 2024: Cora signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract extension covering 2025–2027
- 2026 season: Red Sox posted a 10-17 record through 27 games
- Saturday night: Following a 17-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, the team announced the firings
Management Statements
Craig Breslow (Chief Baseball Officer)
Breslow stated the decision was based on a belief that the team's players are capable of achieving their goals and that acting now provides a "fresh start" for the remaining 135 games. He declined to specify detailed reasons for the decision, stating only that a new direction was warranted. Breslow denied that the firings were predetermined.
John Henry (Principal Owner)
In a written statement, Henry said: "Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018, and for that, and the many years that followed, he will always have our deepest gratitude. He has had a lasting impact on this team and on this city. He has led on and off the field in so many important ways. These decisions are never easy, but this one is especially difficult given what Alex has meant to the Red Sox since the day he arrived."
Sam Kennedy (Team President)
Kennedy attributed the decision to Breslow.
Team Meeting
According to players, Breslow held a two-minute meeting with the team. New manager Chad Tracy spoke for three to five minutes. Henry and Kennedy were present but did not speak. Players reported being told they were "paid to play baseball" and should focus on that. No players asked questions during the meeting.
Player Reactions
- Trevor Story (shortstop): Expressed displeasure, stating that "some of the best coaches in the world didn't get a fair shot" and that he was not satisfied with Breslow's explanation. He stated he needed to speak with Breslow directly and expressed uncertainty about "the true direction of the franchise."
- Garrett Whitlock (pitcher): Said players were told to focus on playing baseball.
- Roman Anthony (outfielder/prospect): Praised Tracy, calling him "tremendous" and "great." He said the decision was unexpected.
- Wilyer Abreu and Carlos Narváez: Reported to have reacted emotionally to the news.
Background on Alex Cora
Cora, 49, served as Red Sox manager from 2018–2019 and from 2021–2026. His overall record as manager was 620-541 (.534). He ranks third all-time in wins for Red Sox managers. Cora also played for the Red Sox for four seasons, winning a World Series in 2007 as a player.
Background on Chad Tracy
Tracy, 40, posted a 323-295 record as manager of the Worcester Red Sox, with winning seasons in each of his first four seasons. He previously played nine seasons in the minor leagues after being drafted by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 2006 MLB draft.
Reported Sources of Tension
Multiple sources reported a growing misalignment between Cora and the front office, predating the current administration. Reported areas of tension included:
- Roster philosophy: Cora reportedly preferred a traditional approach with established stars, while the front office emphasized metrics, roster flexibility, and player development
- Player development: The front office reportedly questioned the coaching staff's ability to develop younger players
- Hitting approach: Differences arose over the adoption of Driveline methodology, which emphasizes pulling the ball in the air
Organizational Context
The Red Sox have made the playoffs only twice since winning the 2018 World Series. Key players from the 2018 championship roster who have since left include Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Chris Sale, and Rafael Devers. Breslow is in his third season as chief baseball officer; his predecessors were all fired within four years. All permanent members of the new coaching staff were hired by Breslow.