Full Breakdown
Boston Red Sox Fire Manager Alex Cora and Coaching Staff After 10-17 Start
4/26/2026, 8:29:40 PM
Dismissal of Alex Cora and Coaching Staff
On Saturday, April 26, 2026, Red Sox terminated manager Alex Cora and five coaches—hitting coach Peter Fatse, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, third-base coach Kyle Hudson, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and hitting-strategy coach Joe Cronin. Game-planning coach Jason Varitek was reassigned, and Triple-A Worcester manager Chad Tracy became interim manager.
Background and Recent Performance
Cora led Boston to a 108-54 record and a World Series title in 2018. After a 2020 suspension for the Astros sign-stealing scandal, he returned in 2021, guiding the team to the ALCS and a 2025 wild-card berth. He signed a three-year, $21.75 million extension in July 2024. 2026 club posted a 10-17 record, last in the AL East and 7½ games behind the Yankees.
Key Personnel
The decision involved owner John Henry, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, and president Sam Kennedy. Cora’s contract runs through 2027 with about $13.5 million remaining. Tracy, a former MLB infielder, has managed Worcester since 2022.
Team Performance Metrics
Boston’s .667 OPS (26th), 112 runs (20th) and 18 homers (tied last) placed it near the league bottom. Starting pitchers posted a 7.88 ERA for Garrett Crochet and a 9.00 ERA for Brayan Bello, ranking 24th in ERA. Hitters Roman Anthony (.225/.351/.325), Jarren Duran (.198/.258/.291) and Trevor Story (.523 OPS) underperformed.
Official Statements
John Henry said, “Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018… 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.”
Criticism and Analysis
Analysts blamed poor start on a “run-prevention” model that left the lineup without power, reflected in bottom-ranked OPS and home-run totals. Former player remarks praised third-base coach Kyle Hudson as “the best base-running coach I ever had,” implying his removal may affect development. ESPN analyst Buster Olney questioned firing “one of the best managers in the game.”
Conflicting Reports
Reports said Jason Varitek was fired; later statements clarified he was reassigned. Some outlets claimed the dismissal was planned before the 17-1 win, while others framed it as a reaction to the 10-17 record. The organization has not disclosed a detailed rationale.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm happy,” — Alex Cora, text to reporters
- “Incredibly difficult day,” — Sam Kennedy, president/CEO
- “How does it make it better to fire one of the best managers in the game?” — Buster Olney, ESPN analyst
Next Steps
Chad Tracy will manage Red Sox starting with the series finale against Baltimore on Sunday. A media conference with Sam Kennedy and Craig Breslow is set for Sunday morning. The club may conduct a permanent managerial search later in the season while evaluating further roster moves.
