Alex Cora had rare managerial power. Boston still fired him

Boston is burning, at least the baseball part of it. The Red Sox, tied for the American League’s second-worst record, parted ways with manager Alex Cora on Saturday evening. Five other coaching staff members, including hitting coach Peter Fatse, were also let go. The shocking purge came just hours after Boston’s struggling lineup erupted for a 17-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

That offensive outburst arrived too late for Cora, a polarizing figure hired as Boston’s skipper in 2017. A lifeless sweep at home to the New York Yankees last Thursday was the likely nail in the coffin. Triple-A manager Chad Tracy will serve as interim manager. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and team president Sam Kennedy will address the media Sunday.

Principal owner John Henry stated: “Alex Cora has had a lasting impact on this team and on this city. These decisions are never easy, but this one is especially difficult given what Alex has meant to the Red Sox.” Cora’s tenure began triumphantly in 2018, leading the team to a franchise-record 108 wins and a World Series title. That success made him an unusually powerful figure within the franchise.

Few managers have meaningful influence over baseball operations; Cora was a notable exception. When the 2019 team underperformed, executive Dave Dombrowski was fired instead. After MLB suspended Cora for his role in the Astros' sign-stealing scandal, the Red Sox rehired him. A surprise ALCS run in 2021 strengthened his position, and when a power struggle emerged with executive Chaim Bloom in 2023, Bloom lost his job.

Cora was generally liked by players for his intensity and loyalty, and respected by opposing coaches for his preparation. However, some criticized his conduct and involvement in the Houston scandal. Since 2018, his Red Sox won only one playoff series and missed the postseason from 2022 to 2024 despite high payrolls. The relationship with slugger Rafael Devers disintegrated, leading to a trade. After a wild-card exit in 2024 and a slow start in 2025, the front office decided to let Cora go.