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.

It’s been a frustrating campaign for Cora’s Red Sox, who have endured injuries and multiple battles between Rafael Devers and management. Despite an Opening Day payroll just below $200 million, the Red Sox are on track to finish with their third losing season in four years.