Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020
The Boston Red Sox fire Alex Cora headline became one of the biggest stories in Major League Baseball on Saturday after the club dismissed its manager despite a dominant 17-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Boston made the move after a disappointing 10-17 start to the 2026 season, leaving the team at the bottom of the American League East. The decision matters because Cora was one of the most successful managers in franchise history and helped deliver a World Series title.
Red Sox make major coaching change
Cora’s exit ends an important chapter in Boston. He guided the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 wins and the 2018 World Series title, managing a star-filled roster that included Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and Chris Sale.
Owner John Henry said:
Boston also announced the departure of five coaches as part of a wider reset.
Chad Tracy takes over
The Red Sox named Chad Tracy as interim manager. Tracy had been leading Triple-A Worcester and built a winning record in the minors. His promotion signals Boston wants fresh energy inside the clubhouse while trying to rescue the season.
The timing is unusual. Teams rarely fire a manager immediately after a 16-run victory, but recent losses, including a home sweep by the New York Yankees, appear to have increased pressure.
Why Boston moved on
Boston’s roster has changed dramatically in recent years. Betts left, Bogaerts was not re-signed, Sale was traded, and Devers was also moved after contract drama. Those exits created instability, and the current squad has struggled for consistency.
Cora finishes with a 620-541 managerial record and remains one of the most successful figures in recent Red Sox history. But in professional sports, results often decide everything.