The Boston Red Sox of 2026 have been as turbulent as they get. Chad Tracy, the former Triple-A Worcester skipper, has been almost unbeatable in the interim after Alex Cora, the manager who won the World Series, was let go following a 10-17 start.
Tracy has led the Red Sox to a record of 64-56 with a 54-39 record, with a 96.7 percent probability of making the playoffs. The Red Sox established a new franchise record by winning 15 straight games between July 3 and July 22, matching their previous best set in 1946 with Ted Williams.
When Cora was dumped on April 25th, torches were already ignited and pitchforks were raised. Following a promising 2025 season, the season appeared to be over, and the squad was already dead in the water in the division. When asked by Karl Ravech on the “Dirt From the Dugout” podcast, Cora said: “I think at one point I’m going to get back. When? We don’t know.”
Tracy has the Red Sox Nation’s complete support as he speeds ahead toward October, despite still having an “interim” label. In the meantime, Cora is still unemployed.
Cora responded when asked by Karl Ravech on the “Dirt From the Dugout” podcast, “When? We don’t know, but I believe at some point I’m going to return.”
During last night’s program, Alex Cora was questioned by a viewer about whether he intended to coach baseball again in the future. His response highlights the value of his family at this time:
“At some point, I believe I will return. When? Nobody knows.” pic.twitter.com/Iaw7dNxuCx
—Filth from the Dugout (@dirtfromthedug) 11 August 2026
While Cora has not set a date for his comeback, the door is still open for him to pursue a different position in baseball should the appropriate chance arise.
According to MassLive, Dave Dombrowski, president of the Philadelphia Phillies and former head baseball officer of the Red Sox, offered Cora the job with the Phillies just one day after Cora was dismissed, but Cora turned it down because he wanted to spend more time with his family. Instead, Don Mattingly was hired by Dombrowski for the managerial position.
As Mattingly has gone 55-39 after Rob Thomson guided the Phillies to a 9-19 start, Dombrowski’s Phillies were left in a surprisingly similar situation.
Cora’s standing in the baseball world is further reinforced by the Phillies’ alleged offer. His 2018 World Series victory and 620 wins, the third most in franchise history, have solidified his legacy with the Red Sox despite the fact that he departed Boston with a divided fan base.
Expect a real candidate to try out Cora for the lockout-threatened 2027 season, given her obvious enthusiasm for baseball and the ever-spinning managerial carousel.
The New York Mets are a team with high aspirations and an incredibly expensive payroll. Carlos Mendoza was fired during the course of his third season in command, and the Mets, who have been among the most underwhelming clubs in the league this season, need a long-term fix at the top.
Another choice is a gathering with the Houston Astros. Cora may come back to his old team to bring them back to their World Series supremacy since fellow Puerto Rican Joe Espada has been unable to distinguish the Astros from a close AL West division.
