Red Sox’s Chad Tracy Opens Up on Ongoing Support From Alex Cora

When the Boston Red Sox named Chad Tracy as their interim manager, it marked a significant transition in leadership and appeared to signal the end of the tenure of former skipper Alex Cora. However, the change in roles has not disrupted the relationship between the two baseball figures, who continue to stay in contact.

Tracy recently spoke with The Athletic about his early experience leading the Red Sox and offered insight into the dynamic he still shares with Cora. Rather than distance or tension, he described an ongoing professional connection built on mutual respect and communication.

The interim manager emphasized that Cora has remained supportive since the transition, noting that their conversations have continued even after the managerial change in Boston. That continued dialogue has provided Tracy with an additional layer of guidance during his first experience in the role.

The situation highlights an uncommon but increasingly visible dynamic in modern baseball, where former and current managers maintain relationships that extend beyond organizational turnover.

1. A Continued Professional Connection

Tracy made clear that his relationship with Cora remains positive and constructive, even after stepping into the position he once held. He described their communication as ongoing and grounded in shared baseball discussion rather than formality. According to Tracy, Cora has offered consistent encouragement as he adjusts to his new responsibilities with the Red Sox. That support has helped ease the transition into one of the most high-profile managerial roles in Major League Baseball. While Tracy chose not to disclose specific details of their conversations, he stressed that the tone has always been supportive. His comments suggested that Cora has been willing to act as a sounding board despite no longer being in the role. This type of continued mentorship between current and former managers is not always common, but in this case, it has remained a steady part of Tracy’s early tenure.

2. Respect Extends Beyond the Dugout

The relationship between Tracy and Cora has also been acknowledged within Tracy’s family. His father, former MLB manager Jim Tracy, publicly praised Cora’s treatment of his son and the respect shown throughout their professional overlap. Jim Tracy noted that Cora has long been well regarded within managerial circles, citing his influence on successful teams during his coaching and managerial career. He added that Cora’s approach to leadership has left a lasting impression on those he has worked with. He also emphasized the personal side of the relationship, describing how Cora treated Chad Tracy with respect and professionalism during his time in Boston. That treatment, according to Jim Tracy, has contributed to a strong sense of gratitude within the family. The endorsement from a veteran baseball figure further underscores the reputation Cora has built across multiple organizations and roles in the league.

3. Leadership Transition and Learning Curve

For Tracy, stepping into the interim managerial position represents a significant professional milestone and learning opportunity. Managing a franchise like the Red Sox brings heightened expectations and constant scrutiny, particularly during a transition period. Having access to a former manager like Cora provides an additional resource as Tracy navigates in-game decisions, clubhouse management, and long-term planning. That kind of informal mentorship can be especially valuable for a first-time manager. While leadership changes often lead to clean breaks, this situation reflects a more collaborative and continuous exchange of ideas. Tracy’s willingness to remain open to guidance suggests a pragmatic approach to leadership development. As the Red Sox move forward under his direction, the relationship between Tracy and Cora may continue to serve as a quiet but meaningful advantage during a period of organizational adjustment.