BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox made a sweeping leadership change Saturday, firing manager Alex Cora and several members of their coaching staff after a disappointing 10-17 start to the 2026 season, according to multiple reports and team statements.
Also dismissed were hitting coach Peter Fatse, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, third base coach Kyle Hudson, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin. Former Red Sox captain Jason Varitek was reassigned to another role within the organization.
The move came just hours after Boston routed the Baltimore Orioles 17-1, but it did little to erase a sluggish opening month that left the club in last place in the AL East. Boston had also been swept earlier in the week by rival New York.
“Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018,” principal owner John Henry said in a statement, thanking Cora for his years of service and impact on the franchise.
Cora, 50, was in his second stint managing Boston. He guided the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 wins and a World Series title in 2018, then returned for the 2021 season after serving a suspension connected to the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. He departs with one of the more successful managerial runs in recent club history, though recent seasons brought inconsistent results.
Triple-A Worcester manager Chad Tracy is expected to serve as interim manager. Tracy had managed Boston’s top minor league affiliate since 2022.
The decision signals urgency from chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and ownership after an offseason in which expectations rose following Boston’s 2025 playoff appearance. Instead, the Red Sox stumbled out of the gate with inconsistent pitching, uneven offense, and mounting pressure in one of baseball’s most demanding markets.
Now, one of baseball’s marquee franchises begins searching for answers — and perhaps a new long-term direction — before April is even over.
