Red Sox Manager Chad Tracy joins, talks shock of getting gig, brawl with Tigers
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Red Sox Manager Chad Tracy joins, talks shock of getting gig, brawl with Tigers” inside PodZeus.
Chad Tracy, the newly appointed interim manager of the Boston Red Sox, joins WEEI Afternoons for his first live interview since taking over the team. Tracy recounts the shock of being called from a game in Worcester to learn he’d been named interim manager, emphasizing the whirlwind nature of the moment and his lack of prior knowledge. He discusses his close relationship with former manager Alex Cora, his father’s managerial influence, and the immediate challenge of leading a diverse, high-variability roster. Tracy highlights the strong leadership within the clubhouse, citing players like Trevor Story, Wilson Contreras, and Garrett Crochet, and emphasizes his collaborative approach to lineup and pitching decisions while maintaining final accountability. He addresses the recent brawl with the Tigers, affirming that the pitch to Story was intentional and that the team’s response was a natural expression of unity. Tracy also reflects on the emotional weight of managing at Fenway Park after 22 years in the minors, underscoring that the moment is about the players, not him. Despite the chaos, he expresses pride in the team’s renewed fight and resilience.
Chad Tracy was informed of his interim manager role during a game in Worcester with no prior warning.
He emphasizes collaboration with coaches and staff, though final decisions rest with him.
The team’s recent fight and unity—especially after the Story incident—reflect a strong clubhouse culture.
Tracy downplays the 'interim' label, focusing instead on stabilizing the team and supporting players.
He has a deep personal connection to the game, having spent 22 years in the minor leagues.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Brawl Erupts After Story Hit by Pitch
“I got to be honest, when you watch a team, it looks like they were all fired up. They kind of rallied around them. Is that – I know it sounds bad, but can a moment like that actually energize your team and unite them at a time where they really need it?”
Chad Tracy’s Surprise Appointment
“I was managing the game in Worcester. I think we were in the bottom of the fourth inning. I was in the dugout, and just it's easy for our people, our farm directors, a lot of communication that occurs during a game if players are needed, and there was a phone call that came, and I just told her I need to step inside and call Brez, which I did, and that's where I found out the news.”
Leadership, Roster Dynamics, and Managerial Autonomy
“If you're not – if you just sit in the chair and just make every single decision on your own, you're not using the really smart, intelligent people around you, that's not the best way to go about it.”
The Brawl, Contreras, and Locker Room Unity
Tracy defends the team’s response to the incident, clarifies the lack of real beef between Contreras and Marcelo, and discusses how the incident unified the team.
Hitting Coaches, Player Development, and Emotional Resilience
Tracy addresses the transition with three new hitting coaches, the importance of building trust, and the emotional impact of injuries like Roman Anthony’s hand.
“Everything you've worked for in the least expected moment came true. I've definitely taken the time since then to kind of revel in it but quickly snap yourself out of it and realize it's not about you. It's about our guys and our players and getting the team on track and staying focused on it.”
“I was managing the game in Worcester. I think we were in the bottom of the fourth inning. I was in the dugout, and just it's easy for our people, our farm directors, a lot of communication that occurs during a game if players are needed, and there was a phone call that came, and I just told her I need to step inside and call Brez, which I did, and that's where I found out the news.”
“I got to be honest, when you watch a team, it looks like they were all fired up. They kind of rallied around them. Is that – I know it sounds bad, but can a moment like that actually energize your team and unite them at a time where they really need it?”
Hosts
Guest
Chad Tracy
person
Boston Red Sox
other
Trevor Story
person
Wilson Contreras
person
Detroit Tigers
other
Alex Cora
person
Hugo Tracy
person
Worcester Red Sox
other
Adrian Beltre
person
Jason Veritek
person
Trying to find the bright spots with this 1-3 Red Sox team
WEEI Afternoons • 21m • 3/31/2026
Alex Cora joins the show, brushes off early season struggles
WEEI Afternoons • 15m • 3/31/2026
Three Point Stance - Not your dad's Patriots
WEEI Afternoons • 21m • 3/31/2026
How big is the disconnect between Kraft and Vrabel?
WEEI Afternoons • 19m • 3/31/2026
Is the release of Josh Dobbs a good thing for Drake Maye?
WEEI Afternoons • 10m • 3/31/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Red Sox Manager Chad Tracy joins, talks shock of getting gig, brawl with Tigers” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime