Amid a 10-17 start, the Boston Red Sox have fired manager Alex Cora, sources tell WEEI.com.
Hired in October 2017, Cora was in his eighth season as Boston’s manager and ranks third in franchise history with 620 wins. The Red Sox reached the postseason three times under his leadership, highlighted by a World Series title in his first season in 2018. He stepped away prior to the 2020 season following his involvement in the Houston Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal, but returned in 2021 and led Boston to the ALCS.
Cora was under contract through 2027 after signing a three-year extension in the summer of 2024.
"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," Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement. "He has had a lasting impact on this team and on this city. He has led on and off the field in so many important ways. These decisions are never easy, but this one is especially difficult given what Alex has meant to the Red Sox since the day he arrived.
"I want to thank Alex, our coaches, and their families for everything they have given to this organization. They have been part of this club in a way that goes beyond the field, and they will always have our respect and gratitude."
Along with Cora, the Red Sox also parted ways with hitting coach Peter Fatse, third base coach Kyle Hudson, bench coach Ramon Vazquez, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and major league hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin.
Game-planning coach Jason Varitek has been reassigned to a new role within the organization, the team announced. Further details were not immediately available.
In the interim, Worcester Red Sox manager Chad Tracy will assume managerial duties. Tracy has led Boston’s Triple-A affiliate since 2022 and played eight professional seasons from 2006-2013 in the Rangers, Rockies, and Royals organizations.
The team also announced that Chad Epperson will serve as the interim third base coach. Epperson has managed Double-A Portland since 2022 after spending the previous 12 seasons as a catching coordinator in the organization.
The move comes hours after Boston’s most lopsided win of the season, a 17–1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Prior to that, however, the Red Sox had lost four straight and six of their last seven, sitting just a half-game ahead of the Royals for last place in the American League.
After reaching the postseason last fall, this season has quickly unraveled. The Red Sox have won back-to-back games just three times and are one of only five MLB teams with 10 wins or fewer. The rotation has struggled (4.44 ERA, 21st in MLB), while the offense has been non-existent, scoring three runs or fewer in eight of its previous 10 games before Sunday’s outburst. Through just 27 games, it was enough to prompt a sweeping shakeup from ownership.
Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy and Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow are expected to address the media before Sunday's 1:35 p.m. game against the Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
