Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora commenced the 2024 season under uncertain circumstances, as his contract is slated to expire at the conclusion of the team’s campaign.

Amidst swirling rumors suggesting Cora’s potential departure from his current position, it is plausible that this season could mark his final stint with the Red Sox.

On Tuesday, team president Sam Kennedy elucidated to WEEI the rationale behind retaining Cora on a contract with an impending expiration date.

“When we made the difficult decision to part ways with Chaim Bloom and brought in Craig Breslow, it was imperative that our chief baseball officer, our head of baseball operations, possess the authority to make such decisions,” Kennedy stated. “While I don’t want to solely attribute it to Bres, the responsibility falls on him. He will make the decision, and ultimately, Alex will decide.”

Kennedy emphasized the necessity for Cora and Breslow to acclimate to their roles, citing their prior camaraderie as players and familial connections. However, he underscored the importance of observing their professional relationship develop over an extended period, spanning the offseason, spring training, and regular season.

Cora has steered the Red Sox for six of the past seven seasons, excluding 2020 due to a suspension, accumulating a commendable 447-373 record (.545) during his tenure, which notably includes a 2018 World Series triumph.

Nevertheless, the team’s recent consecutive last-place finishes in the AL East raise questions about accountability, with Cora bearing some responsibility for the outcomes.

Regardless, Cora’s managerial prowess is undeniable, and should he not return in 2025, Breslow must identify a suitable replacement to fill his shoes.