Red Sox Fire Alex Cora Amidst Astros Scandal

Image credit: Alex Cora (Getty Images)

The Astros’ sign stealing scandal has claimed its first victim outside the organization.

The Red Sox announced Tuesday they were parting ways with manager Alex Cora, who served as the Astros’ bench coach in 2017 before joining the Red Sox in 2018.

Cora, 44, was named in the Commissioner’s report as the individual who called the Astros replay room to obtain stolen sign information during the early part of the 2017 season.

“Today we met to discuss the Commissioner’s report related to the Houston Astros investigation,” the Red Sox said in a statement. “Given the findings and the Commissioner’s ruling, we collectively decided that it would not be possible for Alex to effectively lead the club going forward and we mutually agreed to part ways.”

Cora is the third individual to lose his job in just over 24 hours since the Commissioner’s findings were released. Astros owner Jim Crane fired general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch shortly after the report’s release Monday.

Cora led the Red Sox to a 108-54 record and a World Series title in his first season. He guided the Red Sox to a 84-78 record and a third place finish in the American League East last year.

“We agreed today that parting ways was the best thing for the organization,” Cora said in a statement. “I do not want to be a distraction to the Red Sox as they move forward.  My two years as manager were the best years of my life. It was an honor to manage these teams and help bring a World Series Championship back to Boston. I will forever be indebted to the organization and the fans who supported me as a player, a manager and in my efforts to help Puerto Rico. This is a special place. There is nothing like it in all of baseball, and I will miss it dearly.”

Unlike Hinch and Luhnow, Cora has yet to be suspended for the 2020 season by the Commissioner and is eligible to take a position with another organization.