Less than a month ago, the Boston Red Sox were a dark horse contender for the American League pennant, but the club’s recent performance, which included two double-digit drubbings, has brought pundits and fans back to earth. Boston has all the talent in the world, but the pieces don’t seem to be clicking. As a result, attention and frustration have turned on manager Alex Cora.
The skipper, in his seventh year with the club and the first year of his extension, has taken responsibility for the team’s failings, admitting that the players didn’t seem ready in their recent contests. If the shortcomings can be laid at Cora's feet, though, the Red Sox might not be able to do much about the situation or will have to eat crow and a hefty amount of cash.
In July 2024, the team and Cora agreed to a three-year, $21.25 million extension that would keep the manager in Boston through 2027. Cora himself opted for a shorter deal so he would have the flexibility to raise his young children in a manner and place that suited the family. At the time, Cora seemed to have righted the ship after back-to-back fifth place finishes in the AL East.
Firing a manager just weeks into the season seems drastic, but it isn’t exactly unprecedented. Phil Garner got fired from the Tigers after just six games in 2002. He, like Cora, had two years remaining on his contract. At that time, though, managers made pennies compared to today’s contracts.
Alex Cora’s extension may tie the Red Sox hands if the team’s spiral continues
Although not specifically stated in coverage of Cora’s contract, it is likely that the manager’s deal is guaranteed. That means the Red Sox could be on the hook for roughly $14 million for this year and the next if they part ways with Cora this season.
A similar situation played out with the Reds at the end of 2024. Manager David Bell had signed an extension through 2026 but was released in the waning days of ‘24. The club will be paying him almost $5 million over the next two years to not do his former job. That could have devastating effects for a small-market club.
Even a larger team like the Red Sox would be loath to incur such a penalty. Boston is already about $8 million in the luxury tax threshold. Cora’s salary isn’t factored into that, but it could result in even less money to build a solid club.
Still, the Red Sox brass want a competitive team. That has been obvious since the signing of Alex Bregman and extension of Garrett Crochet. If the front office thinks dumping the manager is the way to get the team there, no amount of money will stop them.