The Boston Red Sox entered the 2026 season believing a managerial change could help turn things around and secure another playoff bid. Instead, the club has continued to battle inconsistency, leaving executives, players and fans searching for answers as the team struggles to meet expectations.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged as much when discussing the team’s recent performance.
“I certainly wouldn’t look back at our win-loss record over the last month and say it was this incredible success,” Breslow told The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, a few weeks after the team replaced long-time skipper Alex Cora with Chad Tracy. “We have to put all aspects of the game together to make sure we’re winning more games.”
Former Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Sends Chad Tracy Message After Losing Job
And as the Red Sox continue to work toward a lasting turnaround under Tracy, former manager Alex Cora has finally spoken publicly about the man who replaced him.
“Chad has always been there for me,” Cora told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal in his first expanded comments since being suddenly fired from the team that he previously guided to a World Series championship. “From the moment he joined the organization, I felt like I had a teammate who saw things the way I did and who was always willing to listen when I needed someone to talk to about team matters.”
Cora and Tracy worked closely together in the Red Sox organization before Cora’s sudden firing and the two are also connected through Tracy’s father, Jim Tracy, who managed Cora while he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Surprisingly, Cora and Chad Tracy revealed to Rosenthal that they have stayed in touch following Cora’s firing. Cora offered a four-word response on staying in touch with his replacement, even as the team continues to disappoint in the standings.
“It’s what we do,” Cora told Rosenthal. “We are a fraternity, I learned that at a young age, and you have to pay it forward. You don’t forget that no matter your role in baseball.”
Boston Red Sox Unable To Spur Turnaround Under Replacement Manager Chad Tracy, Following Alex Cora Firing
The timing of the revelation is notable given the scrutiny surrounding the Red Sox’s disappointing season. While Tracy inherited a difficult situation, the club has continued to search for consistency despite occasional signs of progress.
The Red Sox have shown flashes in several areas but have struggled to consistently combine strong pitching, defense and offense at the same time.
Cora spent multiple seasons managing Boston and remains one of the most successful managers in franchise history. During his tenure, the team won a World Series championship and compiled a winning record across several seasons.
As the Red Sox attempt to salvage their season, Cora’s first public comments since his firing suggest he has no interest in second-guessing his replacement from afar. Instead, the former Boston skipper appears focused on supporting a fellow manager navigating one of baseball’s most demanding jobs.