How Sam Kennedy Addressed Red Sox's 'Painful' Decision To Fire Alex Cora originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Boston Red Sox president and chief executive officer Sam Kennedy discussed the organization's decision to fire Alex Cora.Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow held a press conference on Sunday morning, a day after the Red Sox dismissed Cora and five other coaches. The executive started by showing gratitude to the former manager, who led Boston to a World Series title in 2018."I want to thank Alex Cora, all 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 gonna last a lifetime. He’s a friend to so many in Boston and across New England, and so that contributed to making this a very difficult decision."Kennedy explained why they felt compelled to make a change following Breslow's recommendation.
Triple A-Worcester manager Chad Tracy will replace Cora as the Red Sox's interim manager."Yesterday was definitely painful, but we felt it was a necessary move, and we felt it was necessary to take decisive action to achieve the goal of a fresh start for the 2026 season," Kennedy added. "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."The timing may have confused some onlookers, but Kennedy said they made the decision on Saturday morning before a 17-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Boston is last in the American League East at 10-17 with an AL-low .354 slugging percentage.Kennedy hopes the Red Sox can reset the season under new leadership."Ultimately, what matters is the performance on the field at the major league level," Kennedy said. "And a new beginning starts today."More MLB: Rival MLB Manager 'Very Shocked' By Red Sox Firing Alex Cora