Red Sox's struggles put Alex Cora's future with Boston in doubt

Boston's $198M payroll combined with the franchise's recent disappointing seasons are now even creating questions about the job security of its championship manager. 

While being without Alex Bregman due to injury — he has 11 home runs and 35 RBI in 51 games — can be used as somewhat of a recent excuse, Alex Cora, now in his seventh season as Boston's manager, entered the 2025 season under pressure. Cora, who guided the Red Sox to a World Series title in his first year in charge in 2018, has only enjoyed one winning season since. 

In fact, the Red Sox have failed to reach the playoffs since losing in the 2021 American League Championship Series, which came following Cora's 2020 season-long suspension due to his involvement in the Houston Astros' sign stealing scandal. 

It seemed as Boston took a step forward in 2024, going 81-81 after back-to-back 78-win seasons, but it now appears to be stuck back in neutral this year. At this point, any offseason buzz from signing Bregman away from Houston is gone. 

Even though it's always tough to consider parting ways with a manager who has delivered a championship, it's hard to imagine Cora will last much longer if he can't get his team back on track. And with a dark cloud looming over what looks to be turning into another wasted season, Cora is tasked with trying to win over the fanbase all over again. 

Will Cora be forced to send a message to his underperforming team by benching struggling players like shortstop Trevor Story, or will Cora's stubbornness and Boston's poor play sink his tenure at any moment?