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Red Sox Fire Cora, Promote Tracy Amid 10-17 Slide

5/1/2026

36 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cora Fired

The Boston Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora and coaching staff on April 25 after a 10-17 start.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Cora refused the hitting-coach changes planned since 2025, leading to the firing.
On April 26, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski offered Cora the manager position, which Cora declined.
The Red Sox promoted Triple-A manager Chad Tracy to replace Cora and try to lift the 9-17 team.

Summary

Cora's Winning Era

Alex Cora finished seven full seasons as Boston’s manager, ranking third-all-time in Red Sox wins.
He guided Boston to a World Series title in 2018, his first year as manager.
In his rookie season, Cora posted a franchise-record 108 wins.
Cora entered 2026 under a three-year, $21.75 million extension signed in July 2024.
Cora added an ALCS appearance the previous season.

Summary

Cora Steps Back

Cora will sit out the rest of the 2026 season to spend time with his family.
Because interim managers rarely get permanent jobs, his wait until the offseason is seen as prudent.
Insiders expect Cora to be a sought-after manager after the season ends.
A World Series title and a 108-54 record in his first season boost his market value despite dismissal.

History

Historical Context

After the Red Sox, managed by Terry Francona, broke the 86-year Curse of the Bambino by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2004 World Series, Boston established a pattern of bold front-office moves. When Alex Cora was dismissed in 2026 after a 10-17 start, the club echoed its 2004 willingness to change leadership to reset a championship window.

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Cora Fired

The Boston Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora and coaching staff on April 25 after a 10-17 start.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Cora refused the hitting-coach changes planned since 2025, leading to the firing.
On April 26, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski offered Cora the manager position, which Cora declined.
The Red Sox promoted Triple-A manager Chad Tracy to replace Cora and try to lift the 9-17 team.

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