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Alex Cora firing reaction: What baseball writers, fans, and others are saying about Red Sox’ shocking move
"This is a typical Red Sox move. They are known for scapegoating."
The Red Sox are cleaning house in the midst of a disheartening start to the 2026 season, with Boston firing manager Alex Cora and five of his coaches on Saturday evening.
Even with Boston’s disappointing 10-17 record to open the new season, the Red Sox’ decision to overhaul a significant portion of its coaching staff before the calendar flips to May still stands as a seismic shakeup — especially for a manager who won a World Series title with Boston in 2018.
Here’s a look at some noteworthy reactions from several baseball writers, fans, celebrities, and others to the Red Sox’ stunning move.
Ken Rosenthal
Fox Sports and The Athletic baseball writer/broadcaster Ken Rosenthal gave his take on the Red Sox’ decision to fire Cora during Fox’s broadcast of Saturday’s Dodgers-Cubs game.
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“This was an absolute shocker. Cora was in the second year of a three-year, $21.75 million contract, so he’s almost owed two-thirds of that. … Now the Red Sox. This is a typical Red Sox move,” Rosenthal said. “They are known for scapegoating. But this one was shocking because of the contractual situation and because other managers seemingly are in more trouble.
“One of those managers is the Phillies’ Rob Thomson. [The] Phillies have lost 10 in a row. And keep in mind, guys. Dave Dombrowski, Phillies president of baseball operations, is very close with Alex Cora from their time together with the Red Sox. I can’t imagine Cora taking over the Phillies next week, but that’s going to be speculated on as we go along here.”
Buster Olney
ESPN MLB writer Buster Olney was quick to note that Boston’s coaching overhaul means that Boston is “unequivocally Craig Breslow’s organization” moving forward.
Speaking to a “rival evaluator”, Olney echoed some skepticism about the Red Sox’ odds of pulling themselves out of this early-season tailspin.
Bob Nightengale
USA Today baseball writer Bob Nightengale was quick to connect the dots between Cora and the Phillies — who are currently scuffling in the NL East. Nightengale acknowledged that Cora still has a close relationship with current Phillies exec — and former Red Sox president of baseball operations — Dave Dombrowski.
Erik Boland
Newsday Yankees beat reporter Erik Boland believes that Cora is held in much higher regard across MLB than Craig Breslow — who remains in place as Boston’s chief baseball officer.
Stephen King
Legendary horror writer — and ardent Red Sox fan — Stephen King didn’t hold back about the state of the Red Sox after Cora’s firing.
Bill Simmons
Longtime Boston sports scribe and The Ringer founder Bill Simmons believed that Cora made his thoughts about Boston’s roster construction abundantly clear in his final days as Red Sox manager.
John Henry
As part of the Red Sox’ announcement on Cora’s firing, Red Sox principal owner John Henry released a statement about Cora’s eight-season run with Boston.
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“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 on 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 given 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 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 standing in Boston’s organization, sharing that he believes Boston let the wrong person go.
Nick Sogard
Speaking to Tommy Cassell of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, WooSox infielder Nick Sogard shared his thoughts on Worcester manager Chad Tracy getting named as interim manager.
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“I think everyone felt like it was something that would absolutely happen at some point. Obviously, crazy circumstances. He addressed us, was super professional as always (and) acknowledged that he is bummed that a lot of his really close friends just lost their jobs.
“(I’m) super excited for him, he deserves it. He’s ready. He’s someone that I’ve grown really close with, obviously, over the years here. So I’m just really happy that he’s getting what we all feel like he deserves.”
Tony Massarotti
Former Red Sox writer and current 98.5 The 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 on Saturday night about Cora’s firing — acknowledging that he was “very shocked” to hear the news of Cora’s exit.
Section 10 Hosts
Jared Carrabis and the fellow hosts of the popular “Section 10” Red Sox podcast were among the many who were shocked by Cora’s ouster.
Lou Merloni
Alanna Rizzo
Tom Caron
Joon Lee
Nick “Fitzy” Stevens
Nick “Fitzy” Stevens — who was recently let go from WEEI’s afternoon drive program last week — gave his take on Cora’s firing.
Michael Hurley
Alex Cora
In a text to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, the former Red Sox manager kept things brief about his exit from Boston.
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“I’m happy,” he told Bradford.
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