Red Sox Leaders Talk to Players After Cora Firing

Red Sox chief Craig Breslow wants player feedback on his communication style after manager Alex Cora was fired. This is a change from how things were handled before.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Breslow Acknowledges Feedback On Delivery

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Monday he's open to hearing about his communication style, which faced scrutiny following the unexpected dismissal of manager Alex Cora and five coaching staff members. Breslow stated, "I encourage players to give me feedback about that. And so as I talk to guys, if they are comfortable sharing how information can better be delivered, I want to listen."

This admission came after veteran shortstop Trevor Story described Breslow's explanation of Cora's firing, during a Sunday team meeting, as "not satisfactory." Pitcher Garrett Whitlock added that players weren't afforded a chance to ask questions during that session. Breslow, speaking to reporters Monday, framed his approach as, "Rather than kind of think about whether that was a fair reaction or not, I try to think about, what is the best way to deliver information?"

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The tension highlights a critical juncture for Red Sox management, with the team's top executive actively seeking input on how to effectively convey decisions, especially those with significant ramifications for players.

Player Development and Offseason Plans

In other developments, Breslow discussed Trevor Story's offseason commitment. Breslow mentioned conversations about a plan to "elevate his defensive game," noting Story's dedication to living in Fort Myers for offseason treatment and support. "And to his credit, he’s committed to it, and so we’re really excited about what he’s going to become and what he’ll bring to spring training," Breslow stated.

The team's offseason focus also includes the acquisition of a "No. 2 starter" and a "power bat." While the club traded away Rafael Devers last season, Breslow was anticipating offensive contributions from Anthony and Wilyer Abreu to bolster the lineup.

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Offseason Decisions and Roster Building

Looking back to October 2025, decisions loomed for veterans like Alex Bregman and Trevor Story regarding opt-out clauses. Breslow remained non-committal on specific future actions but did not rule out discussions about potential restructured deals.

In earlier assessments from June 2025, the Red Sox experienced a notable downturn following the trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants. Prior to his departure, the team held a 7-2 record. However, their performance subsequently faltered, with a losing streak and a diminished win rate in their last nine games, struggling within the competitive AL East division.

Front Office Operations and Prospect Assessment

In November 2023, Breslow, then in his role, expressed confidence in Wong as a starting catcher. He also highlighted a commitment to improving defensive capabilities, pointing to a player with a "+4 Outs Above Average at second base." Breslow indicated a thorough review of the team's prospect pool, noting his comfort with the existing talent. His personal background, involving young children, was mentioned as fostering an ability to work under demanding conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Red Sox leaders talking to players about communication?
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said he wants to hear from players about how he shares information. This comes after the team's manager Alex Cora and five coaches were fired unexpectedly.
Q: What did Trevor Story say about the communication after Alex Cora was fired?
Veteran shortstop Trevor Story said that Breslow's explanation of Cora's firing during a team meeting on Sunday was not good enough. He felt the players did not get a chance to ask questions.
Q: What is the Red Sox's plan for player development and offseason?
Craig Breslow mentioned plans to help Trevor Story improve his defense. The team also wants to get a new starting pitcher and a player who can hit home runs. They expect players like Anthony and Wilyer Abreu to help the offense.
Q: What decisions were looming for Red Sox veterans in October 2025?
Veterans like Alex Bregman and Trevor Story had choices about their contracts. Breslow did not say what would happen but did not rule out changing their deals.