Let’s start with his contract, which was agreed to last July and kicked in at the start of this season. If the Red Sox terminated him now, they’d owe him about $20 million. The Red Sox have eaten bigger contracts in the past, but they’re not about to walk away from a manager less than three months into a three-year deal.

Reflecting on how he’s managed this young Red Sox team, Alex Cora explained his approach while acknowledging that things may have to change.

The Red Sox backed Alex Cora, but recent history suggests that vote of confidence could be a prelude to a managerial change.