The Boston Red Sox are facing serious tension behind the scenes, as reports suggest a growing rift between manager Alex Cora and Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow. This internal clash comes at a time when the team is already struggling with performance inconsistencies and injuries, including recent drama surrounding star third baseman Rafael Devers.
According to sources close to the organization, Cora and Breslow are not aligned on the team’s direction, particularly regarding how the roster should be handled for the remainder of the 2025 MLB season. While Breslow has been leaning towards a long-term rebuilding strategy, focusing on player development and cutting big contracts, Cora is reportedly frustrated by the lack of aggressive moves to strengthen the team in the short term. This difference in vision has started to show in decisions about player lineups, in-game strategies, and even how injury updates are communicated to the media.
The tension between the two has intensified over the past few weeks, especially following several tight losses and underwhelming offensive performances. Cora, known for his passionate leadership and close relationships with players, has not hidden his disappointment. He has been seen having extended meetings with players in the clubhouse, many of whom reportedly support his approach. Meanwhile, Breslow, who stepped into his leadership role with a strong analytics background and a focus on future sustainability, is staying firm on his long-term goals for the club.
Rafael Devers has unintentionally become the centre of this growing conflict. Devers, who signed a massive contract extension last year, has recently been in the spotlight not just for his gameplay but also for lingering injury concerns. Cora has hinted at needing more roster support to avoid overburdening key players like Devers, but Breslow seems reluctant to spend more on short-term help.
Insiders say the handling of Devers’ situation has exposed the communication breakdown between Cora and Breslow. While the medical staff cleared Devers for limited play, Cora has expressed concern about rushing him back into action. On the other hand, Breslow has reportedly questioned why Devers isn’t being used more actively if he is cleared. This difference in how each leader views player recovery and risk management is adding to the growing friction.
This isn’t the first time a Red Sox front office has seen tension with its manager. But what’s different this time is that the friction is playing out publicly, and it’s affecting team morale. Several players have subtly expressed their unease about the direction of the team during post-game interviews, though no one has named names. The locker room, once a strong unit under Cora’s leadership, now feels more uncertain as players are unsure which direction the team is truly headed in.
As the trade deadline approaches, this internal divide may heavily influence the team’s moves. Cora reportedly wants reinforcements—particularly in the bullpen and outfield—if the Red Sox are to make a serious push for a Wild Card spot. But Breslow might instead look to offload veteran contracts and bring in younger prospects, even if it means weakening the current lineup.
This kind of leadership conflict often ends with one figure stepping down or being moved out of the organization, and many are now wondering who that will be. Cora has hinted in the past that this could be his final season managing in Boston, and this ongoing clash with Breslow could accelerate that timeline. Fans have been vocal on social media, largely siding with Cora, as he’s seen as someone who genuinely wants to win now rather than just building for the future.
At the same time, ownership may be reluctant to make quick changes, especially with the team still technically in playoff contention. The Red Sox front office now faces a tough choice: support Cora’s push for an immediate playoff run or back Breslow’s longer-term plan, which might mean sacrificing this season’s chances.
Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that the Red Sox have more than just on-field problems to solve. Internal alignment is essential for any team to succeed, and until Cora and Breslow are on the same page—or until a decision is made about who stays and who goes—the Red Sox could continue to struggle with identity, direction, and results.
This behind-the-scenes battle could end up defining not just the season, but the next era of Red Sox baseball. For now, all eyes remain on Fenway Park—not just for the games, but for what could happen off the field next.
