Former Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was fired last week along with five other managers, was clearly ready to leave Boston.
He texted several prominent journalists, “I'm happy,” hours after his firing. He posted photos on his Instagram of him and his staff having dinner and smiling. He turned down the Phillies job this week because he said he was looking forward to spending time with his family.
It was an ugly end to a long relationship and, clearly, it was about time. But that doesn't mean Cora was always unhappy in Boston, a place where he not only coached for nearly a decade, but also played.
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According to MassLive, Cora sent a mass email to the organization this week, thanking them for their help, praising them for their service, and, above all, reminding them No take Fenway Park for granted.
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora returns to the dugout during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 7, 2026. (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe/Getty Images)
“Being a part of this organization has meant a lot to me. As a player and as a manager. As I always tell free agents, I'm glad my kids grew up here. It's unique, special and magical,” Cora wrote. “Thank you for treating me with respect and, most importantly, accepting me as an AC. I am grateful for this experience, it made me better.
“We are happy to have the time to be full-time parents, that's the truth, but we are also disappointed that we didn't finish the job. I respect the direction the organization is taking. Many talented people will help achieve the ultimate goal, having another duck boat parade. Thank you for the hard work, sleepless nights, professionalism and effort in helping me lead this great organization.
“One last thing, keep showing up every day and don't take the Fenway experience for granted, your workplace is the best in the world.”
Alex Cora was not the problem
I've pretty much trashed the Red Sox for weeks. I saw the writing on the wall with this roster about 10 days into the season. It sucks. Anyone who thinks Alex Cora was the problem is living in a fantasy world.
So, yes, I was sad to see Cora go, especially since it meant Craig Breslow (and John Henry) stayed. If you were making a list of all the Red Sox's problems, Henry and Breslow would be so far ahead of Alex Cora that I'm not even sure they were on the same page.
The Sox made a surprise playoff run last year and then folded completely during the offseason. Breslow, as he has done for years, despised everyone. All. Alex Bregman. Pete Alonso. Kyle Schwarber. The Sox needed a bat. Instead, they lost one and got none.
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow speaks to the media at George M. Steinbrenner Field during a Grapefruit League press conference. (Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports)
Breslow then decided to keep all five of his outfielders, rather than trading one or two to address another position of need. Now, the team is stuck in a predictable stalemate in the outfield and lineup.
He replaced Alex Bregman, the team's undisputed leader last season, with Caleb Durbin at third base. It has been an absolute disaster.
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He traded Kyle Harrison, the best player the team got back in the Rafael Devers trade, to Milwaukee. Harrison is currently 2-1 this season with a 2.28 ERA. That would be by far the lowest ERA of any starter in the Red Sox rotation right now.
Cora's dismissal was approaching. You could feel it these past few weeks. Frankly, I don't blame him for being happy. It's like being the last passenger on the Titanic. He became like a bandit here.
But he also loved the team, the city and, above all, the fans. He made it clear during the eight years he was here and he made it clear again in that email.
“One last thing, keep showing up every day and don't take the Fenway experience for granted, your workplace is the best in the world.”
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora signs autographs for young fans before the first home game of the season against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 3, 2026. (Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe)
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No one loved Fenway (and the atmosphere Fenway created) more than Alex Cora. He saw him as a player when they won a World Series in 2007. He saw him as a manager in 2018, 2021 and, to some extent, briefly last season.
It's a shame the next time I see him will be as an opposing coach.
I hope Breslow enjoyed reading that email!
