The Boston Red Sox's improbable climb from the American League's worst record to a wild-card contender in just three weeks has placed interim manager Chad Tracy in contention for the AL Manager of the Year award. Tracy, who took over after Alex Cora's firing on April 25, has led the team to a 21-4 record since June 24, transforming their season.
Tracy was promoted from Triple-A Worcester despite no prior Major League Baseball managing experience. The organization reportedly valued his strong relationships with players who came up through the system and his ability to connect with younger talent. This decision, initially viewed as unrefined, has proven effective as the Red Sox have surged from a 31-45 record to 53-49 as of Saturday.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed in betting markets, where Tracy has seen his odds for Manager of the Year shorten significantly, moving from 35/1 to 8/1 at FanDuel. This rise is attributed to his on-field leadership and his success in contending with a roster perceived as limited.
Tracy is now seen as a viable candidate alongside White Sox manager Will Venable, who is currently favored due to his success in revitalizing a team with a historically poor record. Tampa Bay's Kevin Cash, a two-time winner, is also mentioned, but voters may be seeking a new narrative. Despite Venable's favored status, the Red Sox currently hold slightly better playoff odds than the White Sox, and Boston's pitching is considered stronger than Chicago's.
The American League landscape this season has been described as unusually open, with the AL Central, where the White Sox play, being particularly weak and on pace to finish with a combined winning percentage below .500 for the sixth consecutive year. This context suggests Tracy's achievements with the Red Sox are particularly noteworthy.
Historically, interim managers have won the award, with Jack McKeon in 2003 and Tracy's father, Jim, in 2009, both achieving this distinction. The Red Sox's dramatic turnaround under Tracy's leadership, culminating in a franchise-tying 15-game win streak that ended Wednesday, provides a compelling narrative for the award.
Tracy's message to his team after a difficult loss on June 22, stating, "I’m not gonna turn on you. I know what you’re going through. I’ve been here. All these losses, we’re doing it together, and we’re gonna find a way to win together," reportedly resonated with the players and is seen as a turning point in their season.