MLB Insider Blames Internal Discord In Boston Red Sox Camp For Alex Cora Dismissal

The Boston Red Sox are expected to challenge for a postseason berth again in 2026 after breaking their four-year drought last year. However, their playoff hopes are crumbling at this early stage after a dreadful start to the new season. The Red Sox ownership fired manager Alex Cora on Saturday, with the pressure mounting further on chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.

MLB insider Jeff Passan of ESPN believes there was genuine discord between Craig Breslow and Alex Cora. This is largely the reason for the Boston Red Sox’s poor showing in the opening weeks of the 2026 campaign. The Red Sox still have a roster capable of competing in the playoffs. So the ownership feels that changing the manager will improve the performance of the team.

“There has been some disconnect between the manager Alex Cora and the front office led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. And that manifested into this 10-17 start. The Red Sox have not looked good,” Passan said on Sportscenter.

“Coming into this season, projections internally as well as externally have them as a postseason team. So, if there’s blame to go around, it’s going to be trained on the manager,” he added. “The Red Sox were decisive in this situation.”

This is the first time the current Red Sox ownership under John Henry changed the manager in-season. Cora guided the team to a 17-1 win on the road over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday before learning of his dismissal.

Not All Is Lost: Jeff Passan on Red Sox Playoff Chances

According to Jeff Passan, the Boston Red Sox are still capable of finishing the regular season with a playoff berth this year. The odds are definitely stacked against them right now. Yet there is enough talent within the team to pull it off.