Red Sox fire Cora for role in Astros scandal

Just over a year after manager Alex Cora led the Boston Red Sox to a World Series championship, the team parted ways with him Tuesday amid Major League Baseball’s investigation into illegal sign-stealing.

Cora was identified by MLB on Monday as a ringleader in the Astros’ scheme to steal signs en route to their 2017 World Series championship, when he was Houston’s bench coach. He became the Red Sox’s manager the next year and led his new team to the title, albeit with lingering suspicions regarding similar illegal sign stealing.

MLB announced Monday major sanctions against Houston, including one-season suspensions for manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow, who were subsequently fired by the Astros.

An MLB investigation into the Red Sox’s actions remains open, but Boston didn’t wait for the findings to part ways with Cora, 44.

In a joint statement, Red Sox principal owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and CEO Sam Kennedy said, “Today we met to discuss the Commissioner’s report related to the Houston Astros investigation. 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 . ...

“This is a sad day for us. Alex is a special person and a beloved member of the Red Sox. We are grateful for his impact on our franchise. We will miss his passion, his energy and his significant contributions to the communities of New England and Puerto Rico.”

Cora still could face punishment from MLB stemming from his actions with the Astros and the Red Sox.

Cora had no previous coaching or managing experience before landing as the Astros’ bench coach in 2017.

As a player, he was a major-leaguer from 1998-2011, appearing with six teams.