Alex Cora’s impact is on display in 2024 as much as it has been in any of the six seasons he’s spent as manager of the Boston Red Sox.
Cora won a title with Boston as a player in 2007 and during his first season as a manager in 2018. The Red Sox have shaped a large portion of his life.
That brought him to an important decision that hit the public eye on Wednesday.
Cora and the Red Sox officially extended his contract for three more years through the 2027 season, as Boston confirmed on Wednesday.
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From his initial hire in the fall of 2017 to returning after the 2020 season, Cora knows that outside of his home in Puerto Rico, Boston is where he belongs.
“We’ve been talking for a little bit here,” Cora told reporters after Wednesday’s loss, per NESN’s postgame coverage. “Talking to (my family), this is home for us. People can speculate whatever. There were a lot of conversations in the offseason that this might happen or he wants to get paid or whatever. I just want to be happy and comfortable.”
As he always has and especially echoed in recent months, Cora is truly a family man. His close circle consistently shapes his decision-making and plays a major role in his decision to keep his future with the Red Sox. He voiced his excitement for his children to keep growing in Boston in an extended chapter for his family.
As for his duties in the dugout, the Red Sox have taken steps forward with a franchise talent in Rafael Devers growing into a leader as the organization improves its internal pitching pipeline. Those factors are positive signs for a bright future that’s arrived in Boston.
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“The baseball part of it, I feel very comfortable with where we’re at right now and where we’re going,” Cora said. “It’s what I want. … I believed in the group from the get-go.”
“Life has (taught) me throughout the years that comfort and taking care of the family is more important,” Cora shared. “That’s one of the reasons we decided to engage. Finally, we got it done.”
Cora didn’t expect in-season negotiations, but improved relationships with Breslow and the front office allowed an expedited process. Now, the 48-year-old gets to continue a rewarding path with the Red Sox with those who mean the most to him surrounding him.
“I love wearing this uniform,” Cora assessed. “I love the passion that this city brings on a daily basis, regardless if we’re winning or losing. … I love everything that comes with this uniform. I love everything that comes with the Red Sox.”
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At the end of the day, the Red Sox manager expressed a central theme on Wednesday: gratitude.
“I’m a grateful kid from Caguas, Puerto Rico,” Cora said. “Here I am.”
