GOODBYE” — Sad News: Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Officially Announces Departure Following MLB Proposal as Head Coach of Team Puerto Rico
In an emotional and unexpected development that has shaken the Red Sox organization and its loyal fanbase, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has officially announced that he will be stepping down from his role with the team at the end of the 2025 MLB season. The decision comes after Cora accepted a prestigious opportunity to become the full-time Head Coach of Team Puerto Rico, leading the national squad through international competition, including the upcoming World Baseball Classic and future Olympic bids.
Cora, who has spent over a decade with the Red Sox across multiple roles — and led the team to a World Series title in 2018 — made the announcement during a press conference at Fenway Park Friday afternoon, surrounded by players, front office staff, and family members.
“This is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” Cora began, visibly emotional. “Boston is my second home. This team, this city, these fans — they’ve given me everything. But I’ve been given an opportunity to give back to where it all started for me: Puerto Rico.”
Cora, a native of Caguas, Puerto Rico, was long rumored to be the top candidate to lead the island’s national team in an expanded, year-round development role after Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) jointly announced a new structure for global baseball leadership earlier this year.
Under the new model, national teams like Puerto Rico’s will have full-time managers who oversee development programs, international tournaments, and Olympic qualification efforts. MLB reportedly approached Cora as the frontrunner for the Puerto Rican position in March, but negotiations were kept tightly under wraps until this week.
Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy addressed the press immediately following Cora’s announcement, offering his full support while expressing deep gratitude and sadness.
“Alex Cora is one of the greatest leaders this franchise has ever had,” Kennedy said. “His baseball IQ, his ability to connect with players, and his commitment to excellence made him a cornerstone of this team. We’re heartbroken to see him go, but we’re proud of what he’s about to do for Puerto Rico and the game of baseball.”
Cora’s tenure with the Red Sox included multiple playoff appearances, a franchise-record 108-win season in 2018, and widespread respect throughout the league for his management style. After a brief departure in 2020 related to the Astros’ sign-stealing investigation, Cora was re-hired by Boston and returned to lead the team with renewed focus and humility.
His players responded with heartfelt messages on social media shortly after the news broke.
Star third baseman Rafael Devers posted on Instagram: “Thank you, Skip. You made us believe every day. Puerto Rico is lucky.”
Pitcher Chris Sale added, “One of the best I’ve ever played for. Proud of what’s next for you.”
When asked what led to his decision, Cora cited a combination of cultural pride and a desire to influence the next generation of Puerto Rican players.
“I’ve worn that uniform before, and it means everything to me. But this time, it’s bigger. I want to build something lasting — for the kids who dream of playing this game like I did.”
Cora confirmed that he will finish the 2025 MLB season with the Red Sox before officially beginning his new role with Team Puerto Rico in November.
The Red Sox will begin the search for a new manager immediately, with internal candidates such as bench coach Ramón Vázquez and Triple-A manager Chad Tracy reportedly under consideration.
Despite the difficult farewell, Cora assured Red Sox Nation that he isn’t saying goodbye forever.
“This isn’t the end. It’s just a new chapter. I’ll always be a part of the Red Sox family, and Boston will always be in my heart,” he said.
As Cora prepares to step into a role that will impact international baseball for years to come, the legacy he leaves behind in Boston remains intact: a leader who brought unity, pride, and championships — and now takes that same spirit to inspire an entire island.
Fenway Park’s lights may still shine for the rest of the season, but when Alex Cora takes his final walk down that dugout tunnel, it will mark the end of a historic era — and the beginning of something even bigger.