Alex Cora is returning to Boston Red Sox according to multiple reports from credible media outlets like ESPN, The Athletic, and MLB Network.
Cora exited as Red Sox’s manager ahead of the 2020 MLB season after being handed a one-year suspension for his role in Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal in 2017. His suspension expired following this year’s World Series and the organization quickly jumped on the opportunity to secure his return.
Red Sox were led by Ron Roenicke in 2020, who finished the shortened MLB season with a 24-36 record and missed out on playoffs. Boston didn’t like what they saw during the campaign and opted not to retain Roenicke, who previously served on Cora’s coaching staff.
Alex Cora joined the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and went on to win the World Series in his debut season as a manager. He finished 2019 with a winning record as well but narrowly missed out on the postseason. Cora went 192–132 in his two regular seasons in Boston while dominating in the postseason with an 11-3 record.
Red Sox most likely hope that Cora can return the franchise to winning ways, but that will be a much more difficult task than the first time around. The team’s roster looks a lot different with All-Star Mookie Betts and pitcher David Price being traded to LA Dodgers the last offseason.
On the other hand, Cora will have Chris Sale, who recovered from Tommy John surgery, back while getting some salary flexibility to address shortcomings on multiple positions.
