Why did the Red Sox fire Alex Cora? Boston makes massive changes to staff after 10-17 start

Massive changes are on the way for the Boston Red Sox.

The franchise, after a 10-17 start to the 2026 season, is firing four coaches, including manager Alex Cora, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

With one of the league's more talented rosters while playing in an always-competitive AL East, Boston is clearing house just weeks into the new season.

Here's what to know about the Red Sox firing Cora and more coaches.

MORE: Breaking down the Phillies' active losing streak

Why did the Red Sox fire Alex Cora?

Boston decided to take a drastic step in response to a slow start in 2026. While there have been other teams underachieving despite high payroll, such as the Mets, Astros and Phillies, it's the Red Sox who become the first team to fire their manager.

Despite winning 17-1 on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles, their largest win margin of the season so far, the Red Sox parted ways with the following coaches, per Passan:

• Manager Alex Cora
• Hitting coach Peter Fatse
• Bench coach Ramon Vasquez
• Game-planning coach Jason Varitek
• Third-base coach Kyle Hudson

It was a near full-house clean for the Red Sox. According to Spotrac, the team is currently carrying the 12th-highest payroll in MLB at $193.7 million, with star power in Trevor Story, Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, Garrett Crochet and Ranger Suarez. Among those players, Crochet (6.30 ERA), Story (.198 batting average), Duran (.549 OPS) and Anthony (.225 batting average) are all having slow starts.

Boston, after losing in the Wild Card to the Yankees last season, decided a full coaching staff change was necessary; the team has made the postseason just once in the last four years.

After starting out 10-17, which is currently last place in a loaded AL East, the Red Sox will be hoping a change in leadership will help re-ignite their stars for the rest of the 2026 season.