Chad Tracy Opens Up About Whirlwind New Role With Red Sox

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With Alex Cora in the second year of a three-year extension, Chad Tracy probably wasn't expecting to manage the Boston Red Sox anytime soon.

But after Cora and many of his assistant coaches were shockingly fired on April 25, Tracy was promoted from managing Triple-A Worcester to interim manager of the Red Sox.

The 45-year-old played nine seasons in the Major Leagues, but this is his first time managing an MLB team. It's a big transition for him, but at least he already knows many of Boston's players from managing them in Worcester.

Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic recently interviewed Tracy about his new role (subscription required).

"There’s a good bit of observation early on for a couple of reasons," Tracy told McCaffrey. "One, because it’s the smart thing to do, and two, if you just come in and start making changes, you make the group feel like you haven’t even been here, how do you know what’s going on? But I’m also aware that I do know the guys. And if I see something approach-wise, I talk to them a little bit about what I feel will help us get on track."

Tracy also said he's in frequent communication with his boss, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow.

"I talk to him a couple of times a day," Tracy said. "We talk before the game. We talk after the game. But he’s been amazing as far as, like, wanting to know what I think and has not, at this point, put me in any position saying you need to do this or you need to do that. Like, he knows I know the guys, too."

Marcelo Mayer, who played for Tracy in Worcester, praised him for making the transition from Cora relatively smooth and seamless.

"I mean, honestly, it feels like he’s been here the whole time," said Mayer. "I’m sure it’s been a lot for him and he’s been super busy, but he’s been super pro, and I think the players like him. I know the players that have played with him in Triple A love him. He’s one of my favorite managers I’ve ever had."

Mayer loved playing for Tracy in Worcester and is excited to be playing for him again.

"Just playing for him in Triple A was super fun. It was a great experience," Mayer added. "And for him to be in the big leagues now. Like, I couldn’t be happier for him. I know he’s more than capable for the job, and he’s such a smart dude, such a smart baseball mind. And I think we’re lucky to have him here."

Boston has improved a bit under Tracy, going 4-4 under him after starting the year 10-17 under Cora. The team still has a long way to go if it wants to climb into contention, but at least it's been a promising start.

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