Chad Tracy Rises as Manager of the Year Candidate Amidst Red Sox Turnaround

Interim manager Chad Tracy has become a significant candidate for American League Manager of the Year, with his odds improving dramatically following the Boston Red Sox's remarkable turnaround. The team, which held the worst record in the AL as of June 24, has since achieved a franchise-tying 15-game winning streak and is now contending for a wild-card spot.

The Red Sox's resurgence began after a difficult period in late June, which included a series loss to the Colorado Rockies and a blown save by Aroldis Chapman on June 22. Following that game, Tracy sent a team message expressing solidarity with his players, 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." The team has since gone 21-4, improving their record from 31-45 to 52-49.

Tracy, 46, was promoted from Triple-A Worcester to interim manager on April 25, following the dismissal of Alex Cora. He lacked prior MLB managerial experience but was valued by the organization for his strong relationships with players who had come up through the system and his ability to connect with young talent.

His performance has led to a surge in his American League Manager of the Year betting odds, moving from 35/1 to 8/1 at FanDuel. Tracy has also gained as much as 24 percentage points on the Kalshi betting market.

Manager of the Year Contenders

White Sox manager Will Venable currently leads the betting race, but the Red Sox's playoff odds are reportedly better than those of the White Sox. The American League has been unusually open this season, with the AL Central division performing below a .500 winning percentage for the sixth consecutive season. The White Sox's pitching staff is considered less strong than the Red Sox's.

There is precedent for interim managers winning the award, with Jack McKeon in 2003 and Jim Tracy, Chad Tracy's father, in 2009 both achieving the distinction. Tracy's ability to contend with a limited roster is seen as a key factor in his candidacy.