Red Sox proposal sees team replace manager Alex Cora with another former Boston player, 2018 World Series champion-turned-WBC manager

The Boston Red Sox look like they are going to have a great 2026 season, and with Alex Cora at the helm, it might make for them to be a top contender. However, if the opposite were to happen, there might be consequences for him.

FanSided’s Jake Elman believes that if the Sox have yet another disappointing year, they might cut ties with Cora and find his replacement. Elman predicts it could be another former Sox player who won a World Series with them, in former multi-time All-Star and Gold Glove Ian Kinsler. Kinsler has managing experience, as he’s Israel’s skipper for the World Baseball Classic.

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“Kinsler spent the final months of the 2018 season in Boston, earning a Gold Glove and winning his first (and only) World Series ring. I’m personally a massive Alex Cora fan, and I think he should be a priority for any team needing a manager if he’s available next offseason. Because lead executive Craig Breslow didn’t hire Cora, it feels increasingly realistic that the two sides might part ways if the Red Sox don’t have a successful 2026 season. Kinsler has managed Israel in the last two World Baseball Classics, and he was among the sport’s more respected players during his 15-year career. For what it’s worth, Kinsler played for two of this generation’s more notable managers: Ron Washington and Jim Leyland,” Elman wrote. 

While Kinsler didn’t go far with Israel, he’s been their manager for the past two WBC’s. He’s got experience, and he’s also a former MLB player, so he’ll know how to connect with his team.

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However, the caveat here is the fact Cora is probably the next in line to be one of the Red Sox’ greatest managers. When he’s given a decent roster, he’s proven he can make them into contenders, and he’s won a World Series with the Sox.

He’s also only 50, and his players love him, so Boston might not be ready to move on from him.  However, keeping Kinsler in their back pocket as a replacement option just in case would be a smart move.

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