Alex Cora’s Dismissal and Farewell Email Mark a Turning Point for the Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow terminated manager Alex Cora on Saturday night early in the 2026 season after the club fell to a 12-19 record, last in the American League East, and suffered an 8-1 series loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Triple-A manager Chad Tracy was promoted to interim manager and posted a 2-2 record in his first four games.

ESPN

Cora joined Boston as a player in 2005 via a trade with Cleveland, re-signed after 2006, and contributed to the 2007 World Series championship. Hired as manager in 2018, he guided the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 regular-season wins and a World Series title that year. The club subsequently finished last in the AL East in 2023 and 2024, a downturn many attribute to the 2023 trade of outfielder Mookie Betts. Cora signed a three-year, $21.75 million extension in July 2024. He previously served as the Houston Astros bench coach in 2017, a season linked to the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.

ESPN

In an organization-wide email, Cora thanked staff for a “unique, special and magical” experience, expressed gratitude for the respect he received, and noted his disappointment in not finishing the job. He praised the remaining talent, saying many will help achieve the “ultimate goal, having another duck boat parade.” He affirmed respect for the club’s direction and urged employees to “keep showing up every day and don’t take the Fenway experience for granted.” The message concluded with a personal note about becoming a full-time parent.

What Alex Cora told Red Sox in powerful email after firing

Analysts have cited the 2023 trade of outfielder Mookie Betts as a factor in the Red Sox’s decline, describing it as a “tailspin from which they have never truly recovered.” Cora’s first social-media comment after his dismissal portrayed himself as “happy” to be removed, a tone that contrasted with the more measured language of his later email.

Heavy

• “We are happy to have the time to be full time parents, that’s the truth, but also we are disappointed that we didn’t finish the job.” — Alex Cora, former Red Sox manager

Heavy

• “It’s unique, special and magical.” — Alex Cora

Heavy

• “One last thing, keep showing up everyday and don’t take the Fenway experience for granted, your working place is the best in the world.” — Alex Cora

Heavy

• “A lot of talented people will help to accomplish the ultimate goal, having another duck boat parade.” — Alex Cora

Heavy

• “Like I always tell free agents, I’m glad my kids grew up here.” — Alex Cora

Heavy

Chad Tracy was appointed interim manager as the Red Sox assess long-term options. Dave Dombrowski’s offer to Cora for the Philadelphia Phillies managerial role was declined. Insiders expect Cora may consider managerial opportunities after the 2026 season.

Heavy