Astros named best landing spot for Alex Cora after Red Sox shakeup

Feb 22, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) looks on from the dugout during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros have Joe Espada at the helm, but they could make a mid-season adjustment if things don't improve. 

Over the weekend, the Boston Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora and several members of the coaching staff, including bench coach Ramon Vazquez. 

Bleacher Report's Scott Polacek wrote Sunday that the Astros are the best landing spot for Cora if Espada is let go. 

"Cora was the bench coach in Houston for the 2017 World Series title before he became the manager of the Red Sox," Polacek wrote. "All he did the next year was win another championship in his first season with Boston." 

Polacek adds that the Astros have not won a postseason game since Espada was hired in 2023. 

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"Houston lost in the AL Wild-Card Round in Espada's first season in 2024 and then missed the playoffs entirely in 2025," he added. "With that as the backdrop, the fans and front office surely aren't pleased with a 10-18 start in 2026, which is good enough for last place in the AL West." 

Cora should find another managerial position this offseason. Maybe even sooner. Whether the Astros have interest in bringing him back to the organization is up in the air. 

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