On Sunday, April 26, 2026, Boston Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow addressed reporters in Baltimore just one day after firing manager Alex Cora and several coaches. The decision came after the team endured a 10-17 start to the 2026 season, prompting what Kennedy described as a “necessary move” to achieve a fresh start.
Kennedy acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, expressing gratitude for Cora’s contributions over eight seasons while emphasizing the need for change. “I seek to thank Alex Cora, all of the coaches and their families for what they’ve meant to the Boston Red Sox,” Kennedy said. “AC’s impact on Boston and our city will be felt forever. The memories that we all shared from 2018 are going to last a lifetime. He’s a friend to so many in Boston and across New England, and so that contributed to making this a remarkably tough decision. And so we thank him and wish him well.”
Kennedy stressed that the decision was made by Breslow, not as an order from higher up in the organization’s chain of command. “Yesterday was definitely painful, but we felt it was a necessary move, and we felt it necessary to take decisive action to achieve the goal of a fresh start for the 2026 season. We have full confidence in the players in that room to perform at the very highest level and get us back to playing baseball in October, which is the goal. What matters is the performance on the field at the major league level, and a new beginning starts today.”
The firing occurred despite Cora’s successful tenure, which included leading the team to a World Series championship in 2018. However, the Red Sox had struggled early in the 2026 season, sitting at 10-17 before the change was implemented.
Breslow’s role in the decision-making process was highlighted by Kennedy, who stated that the chief baseball officer was responsible for initiating the move to shake up the coaching staff. This internal process underscored the front office’s autonomy in managing the team’s direction.
Notably absent from the post-firing press conference was Red Sox principal owner John Henry, who was present at Camden Yards but declined to speak to the media. His continued silence following the significant roster and coaching changes drew attention from reporters present at the event.
The situation has created uncertainty about the team’s immediate future, with players reportedly learning about the firings through social media and expressing disappointment over the manner in which the changes were communicated. Veteran players such as Jason Varitek and Kyle Hudson were also part of the staffing changes, adding to the sense of upheaval within the organization.
As the Red Sox look to reset under new leadership, the focus remains on improving performance and returning to postseason contention. The organization expressed confidence in the current roster’s ability to respond positively to the changes, though the long-term implications for the 2026 season remain to be seen.
The next step for the Red Sox will involve integrating new coaching perspectives while working to reverse the early-season slump. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to spot how the team responds to this significant front office decision in the coming weeks.
