The Boston Red Sox have fired manager Alex Cora and five members of his coaching staff, the team announced on Saturday, following a disappointing start that has left them in last place in the American League East. The decision came after a 17-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles, which snapped a four-game losing streak.
Cora's Tenure and Achievements
Alex Cora, who led the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 wins and a World Series title in 2018, was dismissed despite the blowout win. Cora, a former infielder for the Red Sox during their 2007 championship season, had a record of 620-541 as manager. He was the first manager to be fired this season and the first since 1887 to be let go after a win by 16 or more runs.
Coaching Staff Changes
Along with Cora, the Red Sox parted ways with hitting coach Peter Fatse, third base coach Kyle Hudson, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and major league hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin. Game planning and run prevention coach Jason Varitek, a former Red Sox captain, has been reassigned to an unspecified role within the organization.
Interim Manager Chad Tracy
Chad Tracy, who had been managing Boston's Triple-A affiliate in Worcester, will take over as interim manager. Tracy, 40, posted a 323-295 record with the WooSox, leading them to winning seasons in each of his first four years. He is a former catcher at Pepperdine and a third-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers in 2006, though he never reached the major leagues.
Owner's Statement
Red Sox owner John Henry expressed gratitude for Cora's contributions, stating, "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." Henry acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the need for change.
Team Struggles and Roster Changes
The Red Sox currently hold a 10-17 record, sitting at the bottom of the AL East. The team has undergone significant roster upheaval in recent years, including the departures of stars like Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Chris Sale. Despite signing Rafael Devers to a long-term contract, they later traded him after he resisted a position change. This season, Caleb Durbin has struggled at third base, batting .165.
Coaching Staff Additions
Chad Epperson, previously managing the Double-A Portland affiliate, will serve as interim third base coach. Collin Hetzler, who was Worcester's hitting coach, will join the major league hitting staff in Boston.
