Full Breakdown
Red Sox Fire Alex Cora, Install Chad Tracy as Interim Manager
4/28/2026, 4:31:23 AM
The Decision and Immediate Aftermath
On Saturday, April 25 2026, the Boston Red Sox dismissed manager Alex Cora and five members of his coaching staff—hitting coach Peter Fatse, third-base coach Kyle Hudson, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and hitting-strategy coach Joe Cronin—after a 10-17 start. Owner John Henry praised Cora’s 2018 World Series title and said the club “will always have our deepest gratitude.” Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow framed the move as a “fresh start” with 135 games left, and team president Sam Kennedy affirmed Breslow’s authority in the decision.
Background & Context
Cora, hired in 2018, guided Boston to a 108-win, World Series championship and returned after a one-year suspension for the 2017 Astros sign-stealing scandal. The 2026 club, however, ranked in the bottom quarter of MLB in home runs (18), slugging (.354), wRC+ (84) and runs scored (112). The firing marks the franchise’s first in-season managerial change since 2001.
Chad Tracy: From Triple-A to the Majors
Tracy, 40, has managed the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox since 2022, leading the WooSox to winning seasons each year, including back-to-back 79-win campaigns in 2023 and 2024. A former minor-league player (.265/.336/453) for the Rockies, Rangers and Royals, he began coaching in the Angels system (Burlington Bees, Inland Empire 66ers) and served four seasons as a minor-league field coordinator. Half of Boston’s current roster spent time under Tracy in Worcester, and he cited those relationships as a “key” to his transition.
Player Reactions
Former pitchers David Sandlin and Hunter Dobbins called Tracy “the man” and praised his “player-first” approach. Current players Nick Sogard, Roman Anthony and Trevor Story noted Tracy’s “baseball mind” and familiarity with the clubhouse. Story, however, said the explanation for Cora’s firing was “not satisfactory” and that the franchise’s direction remains “up in the air.” Garrett Crochet expressed guilt over the staff’s dismissal, describing the business as “ruthless.”
Official Statements & Responses
John Henry stated, “Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018.” Craig Breslow explained, “By acting today, it gives us 135 games ahead of us…to compete for a division and deep postseason run.” Sam Kennedy added, “Craig leads our baseball operation and he’s made several bold decisions and recommendations, and this is one of them.” The organization also said it has “full confidence in Tracy” to guide the team.
Criticism & Opposition
Trevor Story told reporters, “We’re here to play baseball, and that’s it. We don’t make decisions. We don’t have any input on that.” Garrett Crochet lamented, “It’s a ruthless business,” and noted the staff “paid the cost of our crime.” Players described a brief eight-minute meeting with Breslow, Kennedy and owner Henry as “unsatisfactory” and lacking a Q&A.
Data & Statistics
At the time of the change the Red Sox were 10-17 (some outlets reported 11-17 after the 5-3 win over Baltimore). Offensively they ranked last in home runs, 28th in slugging, 29th in wRC+ and 22nd in runs scored. Tracy’s first major-league game resulted in a 5-3 victory, his inaugural win.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact win-loss record after the Orioles series (10-17 vs. 11-17). No public details have been released regarding the long-term plan for the interim tag.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We get to play baseball today,” — Roman Anthony, outfielder
- “It's a ruthless business.” — Garrett Crochet, pitcher
- “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
- “I think we played the way AC wanted us to play,” — Garrett Whitlock, reliever
What’s Next
With 135 games remaining, the Red Sox will evaluate Tracy’s performance during the upcoming road trip to Toronto and the series against Houston. If the team responds positively, the organization may remove the “interim” label; otherwise, a veteran external candidate could be pursued. The front office emphasizes that the decision aims to “reset” the season and restore competitiveness.
