More than a month after the Boston Red Sox’s shocking mid-season dismissal of coach Alex Cora, former ace Chris Sale has spoken out. The star, now playing for the Atlanta Braves, admitted he was “just as shocked as anyone” by the decision that rocked the baseball world.

Sale – who won the 2018 World Series with Cora – said he remains in regular contact with the talented coach, even after being traded to the Braves before the 2024 season.
In an interview with WEEI, Chris Sale clearly expressed his feelings:

“I think I was probably as shocked as everyone else. Whenever something like this happens, it creates a wave throughout the baseball world. So, I was genuinely shocked.”

Sale is currently in his third season with the Atlanta Braves and is still performing at a high level. Despite having switched teams long ago, he still considers Alex Cora a special person.

“I’ve said this many times, it doesn’t matter how old you are or where you’re from – Japan, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, or Florida – he’ll find a way to connect with you.

This is my third year in Atlanta, but in the last three years, I’ve talked to him as much as I’ve talked to anyone. Even during the offseason, he’d text me after every game.

He’s really good at connecting with individuals, no matter who they are or where they’re from.”

Alex Cora was fired by the Red Sox at the end of April 2026 after the team’s disastrous start to the season with a 10-17 record. Along with Cora, several other members of the coaching staff were also fired, including hitting coach Peter Fatse, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, and Jason Varitek.

The Red Sox quickly appointed Chad Tracy – the coach of the Triple-A Worcester team – as interim head coach. This decision by the team’s leadership (especially Chief

Baseball Officer Craig Breslow) has caused a stir in both the Red Sox community and the MLB world.

Cora was once a symbol of the Red Sox’s success with the 2018 World Series championship, before returning to the team in 2021 after serving a suspension for a sign-stealing scandal. Despite periods of inconsistent team performance, he was highly regarded for his leadership and ability to build relationships with the players.

Under Cora’s leadership, the Red Sox not only won the 2018 championship but also built a strong team culture. Many former and current players have publicly expressed their respect for him. Chris Sale is just one of them.

Sale played for the Red Sox from 2017 to 2023. He was one of the key pitchers who helped the team win the World Series, despite suffering several injuries afterward. The fact that he has maintained close contact with Cora after moving to the Braves shows the significant influence of the Puerto Rican coach.

Currently, the Red Sox, under interim coach Chad Tracy, are trying to improve their performance, but the pressure remains immense as the team continues to struggle in the AL East.

Interestingly, Chris Sale will be mounding for the Atlanta Braves on Thursday (May 29, 2026) to face the Red Sox at Fenway Park. This will undoubtedly be an emotional game, especially as Sale faces his former team and Red Sox fans.

Many believe this game will be an opportunity for Sale to show his respect for Alex Cora – who was once his mentor, leader, and friend.

Alex Cora’s firing was one of the most shocking events of the 2026 MLB season. While the Red Sox are seeking change to salvage the season, the voices of stars like Chris Sale show that Cora left a deep impression on the players.

Will the Red Sox regret this decision? Or is it a necessary turning point? The answer will probably become clearer by the end of the season.