The Boston Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora and several staff members after a disappointing start to the season. The decision was influenced by a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers that raised concerns about the team's player development.
Key points
Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora and staff members
Team has an 11-17 record, last in AL East
Trade with Brewers involved key player exchanges
Concerns about player development arose after trade
Decision left some players in tears
Mentioned in this story
Alex CoraCraig BreslowDavid HamiltonKyle HarrisonShane DrohanCaleb DurbinAndruw MonasterioAnthony Seigler
Boston Red SoxMilwaukee Brewers
The Boston Red Sox surprised fans of Major League Baseball on April 25 when they announced the firing of manager Alex Cora and several members of the staff, a rare late-April maneuver even for a team that came into the new week with an 11-17 record, last place in the American League East.
"The front office, though still confident in Hamilton, traded him to the Brewers during the offseason," McWilliams wrote. "When he returned this month and played well against the Red Sox, the front office again began questioning the coaching staff's developmental process with younger players.
Q&A
Why did the Red Sox fire manager Alex Cora?
The Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora due to a poor start to the season, with the team sitting at 11-17 and last in the American League East.
What players were involved in the Red Sox trade with the Brewers?
The Red Sox traded Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton, and Shane Drohan to the Brewers in exchange for Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, and Anthony Seigler.
How did the trade with the Brewers impact the Red Sox's coaching decisions?
The trade led to questions about the coaching staff's ability to develop younger players, especially after David Hamilton performed well against the Red Sox upon his return.
What were the consequences of the Red Sox's poor performance this season?
The Red Sox's poor performance resulted in significant changes, including the firing of manager Alex Cora and several staff members, indicating a potential overhaul of the team's direction.
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Apr 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop David Hamilton (6) tags out Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin (5) during the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop David Hamilton (6) tags out Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin (5) during the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
"'Why do a lot of players go to other places and get better?'" one source said of the questions being asked. 'Why do other guys come here and get worse?'"
Hamilton ultimately had two hits and two walks in the three games between the Brewers and Red Sox at Fenway Park, though the Brewers won just the first of those three contests.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) hits a double during the seventh inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Brandon Lockridge (20) fields a double by Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales during the seventh inning of their game Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sánchez (99) hits an RBI while grounding out during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman David Hamilton (6) rounds first base after hitting a double to drive in a run during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) scores on a single by third baseman Luis Rengifo during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh PiratesSunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) is hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman David Hamilton (6) hits a double to drive in a run during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers' Jake Bauers (9) hits a double off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (50) during the fourth inning of their game Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers' Jake Bauers (9) hits a double during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) hits a single during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (50) throws during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill (29) is met at the mound by catcher William Contreras (24) during the seventh inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) and catcher William Contreras (24) confer at the mound during the eighth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers offense and strategy coordinator Jason Lane (40) talks with third base coach Matt Erickson (68) during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Brewers third base coach Matt Erickson (68) is shown during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) hits a double during the seventh inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
3 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Brandon Lockridge (20) fields a double by Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales during the seventh inning of their game Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
4 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sánchez (99) hits an RBI while grounding out during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
5 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman David Hamilton (6) rounds first base after hitting a double to drive in a run during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
6 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9) scores on a single by third baseman Luis Rengifo during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh PiratesSunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
7 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) is hit by a pitch during the fifth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
8 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman David Hamilton (6) hits a double to drive in a run during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
9 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers' Jake Bauers (9) hits a double off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (50) during the fourth inning of their game Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
10 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers' Jake Bauers (9) hits a double during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
11 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) hits a single during the fourth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
12 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (50) throws during the first inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
13 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
14 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill (29) is met at the mound by catcher William Contreras (24) during the seventh inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
15 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby (26) and catcher William Contreras (24) confer at the mound during the eighth inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
16 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers offense and strategy coordinator Jason Lane (40) talks with third base coach Matt Erickson (68) during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
17 / 17
The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-0
Milwaukee Brewers third base coach Matt Erickson (68) is shown during the first inning of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, April 26, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
For the year, Hamilton has just a .605 OPS and collected his first extra-base hit of the season April 26 with a double against Pittsburgh. But he does offer speed (five stolen bases) and positional versatility.
The more eye-popping data point in the trade has been Harrison, who struck out a career-high 12 and allowed just one hit and one walk over six dominant innings in that same game April 26.
Harrison has 30 strikeouts in 23⅔ innings, the second-most strikeouts for a left-handed Brewers pitcher in his first five games with the team, and just four behind CC Sabathia.
The Red Sox half of the Durbin trade hasn't gone well, though Durbin hit his first home run of the year in a 17-1 Boston win. He has a .530 OPS in 100 plate appearances, one year after taking third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. Durbin has four hits over the past three games, and Boston has won back-to-back games since the firings. He has 10 RBIs this season and three stolen bases.
Monasterio has been respectable in 45 plate appearances, with a .726 OPS, including a home run and eight RBIs.
Then again, the consternation for Boston fans might be over who made the trade, not who's in charge of development.
The Red Sox also made an April trade with the Brewers last year, with Milwaukee acquiring Quinn Priester – who then went on to finish 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA in a key role for the 97-win team. On the other hand, Priester has been sidelined with an injury in 2026 and has yet to appear in a big-league game, while one of the prospects Boston acquired, John Holobetz, has been excellent in the team's minor-league system since arriving.
