Boston Red Sox
“This is a typical Red Sox move. They’re known for making scapegoats.”
Alex Cora and several members of his team were released on Saturday evening. (Photo: Barry Chen/Globe Staff)
The Red Sox are cleaning house amid a disappointing start to the 2026 season, as Boston fired manager Alex Cora and five of his coaches on Saturday night.
Even with Boston’s disappointing 10-17 record to open the new season, the Red Sox’s decision to overhaul much of their coaching staff before the calendar flips to May still represents a seismic change — especially for a manager who won a World Series with Boston in 2018.
Here’s a look at some noteworthy reactions from several baseball writers, fans, celebrities and others to the Red Sox’s stunning move.
Ken Rosenthal
Fox Sports and The athlete Baseball writer/broadcaster Ken Rosenthal offered his opinion on the Red Sox’s decision to fire Cora during Fox’s broadcast of the Dodgers-Cubs game on Saturday.
“This was an absolute shock. Cora was in the second year of a three-year, $21.75 million contract, so he owes roughly two-thirds of that. … Now the Red Sox. That’s a typical Red Sox move,” Rosenthal said. “They’re known for being scapegoats. But this was shocking because of the contractual situation and because other managers seemed to be having more problems.
“One of those managers is the Phillies’ Rob Thompson. [The] The Phillies have lost 10 in a row. And remember, guys. Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, is very close to Alex Cora from their time with the Red Sox. I can’t imagine Cora taking over the Phillies next week, but that will be speculated on as we move forward here.
Jeff Passan
ESPN Baseball Writer Jeff Passan – Who posted Quora news before 7pm on Saturday – Explaining more about the Red Sox’ decision on SportsCenter later that night.
“I think it was the icing on the cake. And look, there was some disconnect between manager Alex Cora and the front office led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, and that showed up in this 10-17 start.”
The Red Sox didn’t look good, and entering this season, the expectations – both internally and externally from other teams – were that they would be a postseason team. Therefore, if there is blame placed on others, it will be directed to the manager. However, unlike places like the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and even the Houston Astros, where there were questions about whether they would become new coaches, the Red Sox were decisive in this situation.
As for why the Red Sox made the move so early in the season, Passan said Boston’s top brass believe “the season can still be salvaged at this point.”
Buster Olney
ESPN MLB writer Buster Olney was quick to point out that Boston’s comprehensive coaching overhaul means Boston is “unambiguously Craig Breslow’s organization” moving forward.
Speaking to The Rivalry Evaluator, Olney echoed some doubts about the Red Sox’s prospects of pulling themselves out of this early-season slump.
Bob Nightingale
USA Today baseball writer Bob Nightingale was quick to connect the dots between Cora and the Phillies — who are currently battling it out in the NL East. Nightingale acknowledged that Cora still has a close relationship with current Phillies CEO — and former Red Sox president of baseball operations — Dave Dombrowski.
Eric Boland
Newsday Yankees beat reporter Erik Boland believes Cora has much higher respect across MLB than Craig Breslow — who remains in his position as Boston’s president of baseball.
Stephen King
Legendary horror writer — and avid Red Sox fan — Stephen King didn’t hold back on the Red Sox case after Cora was fired.
Bill Simmons
Longtime Boston sportswriter and The Ringer founder Bill Simmons believes Cora made his ideas about building Boston’s roster crystal clear in his final days as manager of the Red Sox.
John Henry
As part of the Red Sox’ announcement regarding Cora’s firing, Red Sox principal owner John Henry issued a statement about Cora’s eight-season run with Boston.
“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 said. “He has had a lasting impact on this team and this city. He has led on and off the field in so many important ways. These decisions are never easy, but this one is especially difficult considering what Alex has meant to the Red Sox since the day he arrived.”
“I want to thank Alex, our coaches and their families for everything they have given to this organization. They have been a part of this club in a way that goes beyond the field, and they will always have our respect and gratitude.”
Kevin Pillar
Former Red Sox outfielder Kevin Pillar — who played 30 games with the club in 2020 — didn’t mince words about Breslow’s place in Boston’s organization, saying he believes Boston let the wrong person go.
Nick Sogard
Speaking to Tommy Cassel from Worcester Telegram and GazetteWooSox player Nick Sogard shared his thoughts on hiring Worcester manager Chad Tracy as interim manager.
“I think everyone felt like it was something that was definitely going to happen at some point. Obviously the circumstances are crazy. He addressed us, was very professional as always (and) admitted that he was upset that a lot of his close friends had just lost their jobs.”
“(I’m) very excited for him, he deserves it. He’s ready. He’s someone I’ve grown very close to, obviously, over the years here. So I’m really happy that he’s getting what we all feel he deserves.”
Tony Massarotti
Former Red Sox writer and current 98.5 Sports Hub Radio host Tony Massarotti wondered if Cora’s comments after Boston’s 17-1 win over the Orioles might have sealed his fate.
Aaron Boone
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was asked Saturday night about Cora’s firing — admitting he was “pretty bummed” to hear the news of Cora’s exit.
Section 10 Hosts
Jared Carapace and his teammates in the Red Sox’s popular “Section 10” program were among many who were shocked by Cora’s ouster.
Lou Merloni
Alana Rizzo
Tom Caron
John Lee
Nick “Fitzy” Stevens
Nick “Fitzy” Stevens — who was recently let go from WEEI’s afternoon drive show last week — gave his opinion on Cora’s firing.
Michael Hurley
Alex Cora
In a text message to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, the former Red Sox manager kept things brief about his exit from Boston.
“I’m happy,” he told Bradford.
Cora later posted a photo on his Instagram account of himself and the coaches who were abandoned Tuesday during a flight out of Baltimore. Jason Varitek gave a thumbs down as part of the photo.
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