Red Sox fire manager Alex Cora amid coaching staff overhaul Following a disappointing 10-17 start to the 2026 season, the Boston Red Sox have dismissed manager Alex Cora and initiated a sweeping reorganization of the coaching staff, according to multiple verified reports. The decision, announced on Saturday evening, marks the end of Cora’s second tenure with the organization, which began after his rehire in November 2020 following a one-year suspension related to the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. Cora previously led the Red Sox to a World Series championship in 2018 during his first managerial stint. Alongside Cora, the Red Sox relieved hitting coaches Peter Faste and Dillon Lawson, bench coach Ramon Vazquez, third base coach Kyle Hudson and game planning and run prevention coach Joe Cronin of their duties. Assistant coach Joe Cronin was similarly dismissed as part of the staff overhaul. In a public statement, Red Sox owner John Henry acknowledged Cora’s contributions although justifying the move: “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… These decisions are never effortless, but this one is especially difficult given what Alex has meant to the Red Sox since the day he arrived.” The organization confirmed that longtime figure Jason Varitek will not be terminated but will instead be reassigned to a new role within the organization. Other staff members retained include Andrew Bailey, Jose Flores, Parker Guinness, Chris Holt, and John Soteropulos. To fill the managerial vacancy on an interim basis, the Red Sox have promoted Chad Tracy, former manager of the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), to serve as interim manager. Portland Sea Dogs manager Chad Epperson has been hired as interim third base coach, and Collin Hetzler has been added to the major league hitting staff. Craig Breslow, the team’s chief baseball officer, and team president Sam Kennedy are scheduled to hold a press conference on Sunday morning from Baltimore to address the changes. The Red Sox enter the upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles with a 10-17 record, placing them last in the American League East division. The team has struggled offensively, ranking 20th in MLB in batting average (.229) and tied for 29th in home runs (13), while posting a 22nd-ranked team ERA of 4.40.
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