Red Sox Dismiss Alex Cora, Install Chad Tracy as Interim Manager

Boston announced the termination of manager Alex Cora and five members of his coaching staff on Saturday. The decision, described by Red Sox president Sam Kennedy as a collective move, was driven by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. The club flew Breslow, Kennedy, and owner John Henry from Boston to deliver the news after a 17-1 loss in Baltimore. Former Triple-A manager Chad Tracy was named interim manager and earned a 5-3 win over the Orioles on Sunday, moving the team to 11-17.

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Cora, a 14-year MLB veteran, signed a three-year, $21.75 million extension in July 2024, making him one of the highest-paid managers. He guided Boston to a 108-win, World Series-winning season in his first year (2021) and returned the club to the postseason in 2021 and 2025. The 2026 Red Sox, however, sit last in the American League East, tied for the league’s lowest home-run total (18), rank 28th in slugging (.354), 29th in wRC+ (84), and 22nd in runs scored (112). The team also traded longtime star Rafael Devers during the previous season.

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Sam Kennedy emphasized that the organization “has a job to do” and framed the dismissal as “necessary” for a “fresh start for the 2026 season.” He added that the club has “full confidence in the players” to compete for a division title and a deep postseason run. Craig Breslow said the move provides “135 games ahead of us,” allowing the club to “take advantage of this fresh start” and evaluate options for a permanent manager.

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Shortstop Trevor Story expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the explanation from Breslow “wasn’t satisfactory” and that “the true direction of the franchise is up in the air.” Story also suggested that “some of the best coaches in the world didn’t get a fair shot,” reflecting uncertainty among players.

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The organization has not disclosed specific performance metrics or internal assessments that triggered the firing, leaving the precise rationale unclear.

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• “Craig leads our baseball operation and he's made several bold decisions and recommendations, and this was one of them,” — Sam Kennedy, Red Sox president

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• “It's up in the air what the true direction of the franchise is,” — Trevor Story, shortstop

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• “I'm toeing that line of sitting here with all of you in this moment, but also acknowledge the relationship with some of the people that are no longer here was strong,” — Chad Tracy, interim manager

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• “You kind of just adapt and overcome,” — Roman Anthony, outfielder

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The Red Sox will continue their road trip with Tracy at the helm while evaluating candidates for a permanent managerial hire before the season’s final third.

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