It is safe to say that the decision by the Boston Red Sox to fire manager Alex Cora has not been a popular move. After all, the coach previously helped guide the team to a World Series title in his first season in Boston. Cora also posted the third-most wins in Red Sox history. Nevertheless, team officials elected to fire the manager and several of his staff after a slow start to the 2026 campaign.
Despite winning just 10 of the team’s first 27 games this season, Cora remained a popular figure in the dugout. In fact, CBS Sports recently reported that several players, including Trevor Story and Wilyer Abreu, cried when learning of the coach’s dismissal. Story, in particular, has been vocal about the situation. The infielder blasted the front office’s decision to remove Cora on April 26.
Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy faced the music on April 28 during a radio interview with WEEI. The exec was directly asked if it was true that several players broke down in tears following the news. “I think it’s accurate to say that it was a very emotional 24, 48 hours in Baltimore for everybody involved, mostly the people impacted by the moves,” replied Kennedy.
Kennedy, who has been with the organization for 25 years, went on to defend the firings. “I’d say the moves were really about the confidence and the belief in the 2026 Red Sox and this group of players,” continued Kennedy. “As painful and difficult as it was, we really thought it was necessary for a fresh start for this particular group of guys. That’s why we acted, and that’s why we’re where we are, unfortunately.”
Boston Red Sox Fans Unhappy with Sam Kennedy’s Comments
GettyAlex Cora was popular with the Red Sox players and fans.
Although Kennedy has attempted to ease the tension between players/fans and the organization, it does not seem to be working. At the time of publication, all of the social media replies to the aforementioned radio interview were negative (to put it lightly).
Even before the Cora move and Kennedy’s recent comments, Red Sox fans were vocal in their feelings towards management. Boston supporters have chanted “sell the team” at Fenway Park throughout the early stages of the 2026 season. Current team owner, John Henry, has also received criticism for his continued public silence on the Cora situation.
Kennedy continued to claim that Henry was in Baltimore at the time of the firing to personally discuss the move with Red Sox players. Nevertheless, multiple players recently told The Athletic that they have not spoken to the owner. During the WEEI interview, Kennedy asserted that Breslow remains with the team in Toronto to answer questions from the players.
Boston Unlikely to Name Permanent Manager Soon
For now, the Boston Red Sox are moving forward with interim manager Chad Tracey. While the team is apparently keeping its options open regarding the job, The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey recently admitted that they would be surprised if Boston replaces Tracey in the middle of the current campaign. An offseason hiring seems more likely.
Cora officially broke his silence on the situation with a social media post on April 28. The now-former Red Sox manager issued a heartfelt message to Boston fans by claiming that he will miss them. Cora has also officially rejected a chance to manage the Philadelphia Phillies to spend more time with his family.
Red Sox CEO Criticized for Remarks on Alex Cora’s Firing