Full Breakdown
Red Sox Rebuild Coaching Staff After Alex Cora Dismissal
4/28/2026, 8:32:26 AM
Coaching Staff Overhaul Amid Early-Season Struggles
On Saturday, the Boston Red Sox dismissed manager Alex Cora and six of his assistants, including hitting coach Pete Fatse and bench coach Ramón Vázquez. The firings followed a poor start that left the club in last place in the AL East, a stark contrast to the 17-1 win in Baltimore the day before.
Interim Appointments and New Roles
Chad Tracy, former Triple-A Worcester manager, was named interim manager. Jose David Flores returned to his former bench-coach role, while Pablo Cabrera, a 28-year-old defensive coordinator, became interim first-base coach and outfield instructor. Jack Simonetty was added as hitting assistant. Additional hires include third-base coach Chad Epperson and hitting coaches John Soteropoulos and Collin Hetzler. Double-A infielder Drew Ehrhard, after 11 games hitting .132/.543, joined as bullpen catcher.
Timeline of Staff Changes
Saturday night: Cora and six assistants dismissed. Sunday: Tracy named interim manager. Monday: Flores, Cabrera, Simonetty, Epperson, Soteropoulos, Hetzler, and Ehrhard announced. Tuesday: Red Sox travel to Toronto for a three-game series.
Data & Statistics
Ehrhard’s 11-game stint produced a .132 batting average with a .543 OPS. The 17-1 Baltimore win remains Boston’s most lopsided victory this season.
Official Statements & Responses
Owner John Henry praised Cora’s 2018 season and his lasting impact on the team and city. The club noted that former catcher-coach Jason Varitek was reassigned to a new role, which he declined.
Criticism & Opposition
The Boston Herald and ClutchPoints articles described the season as a ‘miserable start’ and noted the 17-1 win, indicating the staff changes occurred amid a challenging period for the team.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the new coaches hold “interim” or permanent titles and on the exact number of assistants dismissed—some list five, others six. Reliability scores range from 36.31 to 41.94, indicating moderate confidence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — John Henry, Principal Owner
- “He has had a lasting impact on this team and on this city.” — John Henry, Principal Owner
- “He has led on and off the field in so many important ways.” — John Henry, Principal Owner
- “A few people are joining the staff in TOR.” — Chris Cotillo, Reporter (Twitter)
What’s Next
Boston will open the three-game series in Toronto on Monday night, giving the interim staff its first major-league test.
