Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was one of the main figures behind the decision to fire manager Alex Cora on Saturday evening. The next morning, Breslow met with the players, who were dissatisfied with the lack of input they were given to speak on the situation.
Both Garrett Whitlock and Trevor Story were particularly unhappy with Breslow’s explanation, and with his minimal interest in hearing what the roster thought about letting go of their skipper. Whitlock confirmed no players were allowed to ask questions, per Mass Live.
Breslow is now responding to that criticism, and he hopped on a plane with the Red Sox to Toronto for the beginning of an AL East series with the Blue Jays, starting Monday. The former MLB reliever believed that getting the players together was the most important thing on Sunday, but his presence in Toronto is largely due to giving the team the opportunity to speak with him.
“I think the most important thing, just given the timing and how this all came together, was to get the group together and make sure that they heard from me and then give them a chance to spend some time with Trace (interim manager Chad Tracy),” Breslow said, via Mass Live.
“And since then, I’m here on the trip, I’m making myself available,” Breslow added. “I’ve had conversations with a number of players. I’ll keep the content of those in private, but having as many conversations as it takes to be able to look forward and move forward and take advantage of the remainder of the season.”
Craig Breslow Responds to Dust Up With Red Sox Star Trevor Story
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 30: Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during the first inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on March 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Story was one of the players who was furious about the decision, despite rumors that his animosity with Cora played a part in Boston’s firing of the manager. He was in search of an answer from Breslow and the front office on Sunday after the finale in Baltimore, but he didn’t get it.
That being said, Breslow revealed he’s spoken with Story as of Monday.
“Trevor and I had a conversation,” Breslow said. “Trevor obviously is a very important part of this team. He’s also a leader on this team, and he’s incredibly well respected in the clubhouse and by the staff and by me. I’m grateful for the chance to have the conversation with him.”
Breslow Using This as an Opportunity to Grow
The Red Sox front office clearly believes the ball club needed a change to give them a spark amid a poor start. Whether parting ways with Cora was the right decision or not, Breslow is welcoming all feedback from the players, given his lack of communication with them throughout this whole fiasco.
“Rather than kind of think about whether that was a fair reaction or not, I try to think about, what is the best way to deliver information?” Breslow said. “What is the best way to communicate and make sure that every time there’s a decision to deliver information to share, I’m thinking about what is the best way to do it. And I encourage players to give me feedback about that. And so as I talk to guys, if they are comfortable sharing how information can better be delivered, I want to listen. I want to take that into consideration.”
Boston sits at 11-17, putting them last in the division. However, they’ve won two straight and will be looking to make it three in the series opener against Toronto.
Craig Breslow Responds to Red Sox Players’ Criticism Over Alex Cora Firing