Former Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who was let go last week along with five other coaches, seemed ready to move on from Boston. Just hours after his dismissal, he reached out to several journalists to express that he was “happy.” He even shared a smiling photo on Instagram, having dinner with his staff. Interestingly, he declined a job offer from the Phillies recently, citing a desire to spend time with his family.
The end of his tenure was certainly messy—a long relationship gone awry, but it doesn’t necessarily mean Cora was always unhappy while in Boston where he both coached and played for nearly a decade.
In a recent email to the team, he thanked them for their support, emphasized the importance of not taking Fenway Park for granted, and shared that being part of the organization meant a lot to him as both a player and a coach. He mentioned how special it was for his kids to grow up in that environment and reflected on the experience that had enriched him.
Cora seemed to feel a sense of gratitude mixed with disappointment—grateful for the opportunities and support, but also aware that they weren’t able to achieve their goals together. He concluded with a heartfelt reminder to appreciate the Fenway experience.
Was Cora the issue?
Reflecting on the Red Sox’s recent struggles, it’s become increasingly apparent that Cora wasn’t the problem. A few days into the season, it was clear the roster had significant issues. It’s hard to argue that Cora was the root of the team’s problems; if anything, it was sad to see him go, particularly with the prospect of Craig Breslow staying on board. The list of issues with the Sox seems to start and end with management rather than the coaching.
The team made a surprising playoff run last year but faltered during the offseason. Breslow missed key opportunities to secure talent that could have bolstered the team, resulting in a lack of added strength to the lineup while losing existing players.
Breslow’s decision to maintain all five outfielders instead of making trades left the team in a predictable jam regarding their batting order and outfield configuration. The choice to place Caleb Durbin at third, rather than opting for last year’s standout, Alex Bregman, proved disastrous.
Cora’s departure felt inevitable—the signs were palpable in recent weeks. Honestly, one can’t really fault him for feeling happy now; leaving could be like escaping a sinking ship. Cora consistently expressed his love for his team, his city, and especially his fans. He reiterated that in his farewell email.
Cora’s connection to Fenway and its unique atmosphere is undeniable. He experienced its magic as a player and later as a manager. It’s unfortunate he’ll next encounter it as an opponent.
I hope Breslow took note of that email!
