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Here’s what Red Sox players are saying following Alex Cora’s firing
Trevor Story expressed his displeasure with Boston’s decision to part ways with the longtime manager.
The Boston Red Sox made the shocking decision to fire manager Alex Cora and five assistant coaches Saturday night.
Reporters, fans, and players alike were all caught off-guard by the news following Saturday afternoon’s 17-1 blowout win over the Orioles. The victory marked the Red Sox’ 10th win of the season.
Things certainly haven’t played out on the field the way the organization envisioned entering the year. Boston occupies last place in the American League East, has hit the fewest home runs in MLB (tied with the San Francisco Giants), and is in the bottom-10 in the league in several offensive stats. The starting rotation has been a disappointment despite the front office emphasizing a run prevention strategy entering the year.
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Many players found out about Cora’s exit on social media, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and interim manager Chad Tracy briefly spoke with the players as a group Sunday morning before Breslow and team president Sam Kennedy’s press conference.
Here’s what Red Sox players had to say about the organization’s decision to part ways with Cora, who managed into his eighth season with Boston.
Roman Anthony
Outfielder Roman Anthony said that, like the rest of his teammates, he was taken aback by the news of Cora’s firing. Anthony said the team needs to move forward despite the chaos.
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“Shocking. Didn’t expect it,” Anthony said. “Now you just adapt and overcome.”
Anthony said Breslow’s meeting with the players was brief, but he felt it was necessary to hear from the CBO.
“It was good,” Anthony said. “It’s one of those things that kind of has to be said, but as players, you kind of huddle up and understand that we’re still held to the same standard, we’re still gonna be held to the same standard by the fans, by people around us, and within ourselves.”
Anthony is confident that the roster and new coaching staff will be able to move forward with over 130 games remaining this season.
“Regardless of who’s here and not here, when we take the field, we hold ourselves to that standard. … Obviously this is weird, but at the same time, it’s gonna be alright.”
Trevor Story
Shortstop Trevor Story made it clear Sunday that he wasn’t happy with the team’s decision to fire Cora and the five hitting coaches. Story said he learned of the news over a phone call with Cora Saturday night.
He appeared to be emotional while speaking with the media.
“I was shocked by the decision, I think is a fair way to put it,” Story said. “Those are some of the best coaches in the world, and obviously our performance on the field kind of cost them their job.”
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Story said he intends to clear the air with Breslow and discuss why the organization came to the conclusion it did with the coaching staff. Story also signaled, in his eyes, a sense of instability as far as the future of the franchise goes.
“Obviously, it’s kinda up in the air what the true direction is,” Story said. “Those are conversations that need to be had and they’ll be had today and onward going forward, too.
“Some of the direction needs to be cleared up a little bit, in my opinion.”
Story joined the Red Sox in 2022 and is viewed as one of the team’s veteran leaders. He seemed to have a close relationship with Cora, often sitting next to him in the dugout during games when he was recovering from injuries.
“It’s always tough when you lose a guy like AC who’s been here much longer than I’ve been here,” Story said. “He had our backs every single day. He was very truthful with the players and took bullets for us and did everything you can ask for and more as a manager. Just can’t express how thankful I am to have played for him. I’ve got a lot of love for that guy.”
Garrett Whitlock
Relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock was sad to learn of Cora’s firing. He said he learned of the news when Story FaceTimed him Saturday night.
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“I was really close with all those guys,” Whitlock said of all six coaches who got fired. “It’s one of those things where I had a deep, personal relationship with all those guys. I’d been with them for five-plus years, and so it’s always hard when those things happen.”
Whitlock noted that Sunday morning’s meeting was brief. He said Breslow spoke for about two minutes and Tracy spoke for three-to-five (via The Boston Globe’s Tim Healey). Neither principal owner John Henry nor Kennedy spoke but were present, Whitlock said.
Whitlock also noted that players were disallowed from asking any of them questions.
“They made it clear that we get paid to play baseball and we need to just focus on playing baseball,” Whitlock said.
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