Boston — It was somewhat unexpected on Wednesday that Alex Cora and the Red Sox had agreed to a three-year contract extension. But given what it implies for the series, it’s a pleasant surprise.
The Red Sox have direction once more with Cora’s three-year contract extension. Cora supports Craig Breslow’s will to win, which is to win immediately. The front office and the dugout are once again united.
When the Boston players conveyed the news to Breslow in the Red Sox clubhouse on Wednesday while he was in Colorado concluding the transaction, he was greeted with hero status.
“What makes you certain that this was the right choice? Breslow stated, “I got a round of applause when I walked into the clubhouse, which means obviously those players care about him,” according to RedSox.com. “They are aware of his uniqueness. I believe Boston is aware of his uniqueness. We’re quite enthusiastic about our future collaborations.”
The timing of the agreement is unexpected, and not just because it was announced on the same day that the Rockies humiliated the Red Sox 20–7. Cora stated he didn’t want to discuss or negotiate his contract during spring training and at other points during the season. Despite the team’s on-field success, that gave rise to unease about the adored captain in a lame-duck season. Although there was a positive atmosphere on the diamond, there was an increasing concern that Cora would be leaving for the winter. Each Boston victory merely increased the sum of money he would get from a desperate opponent during the off-season.
It gave rise to rumors that Cora and Breslow, who was the third head of baseball operations during Cora’s managerial stint, were still at odds. Cora felt pretty much gone if another trade deadline passed without any assistance from the front office.
Breslow has to have given some sort of hint that the team will be active and aggressive come trade deadline week. If not, Cora most likely would not have consented to stay.
“I’ve been talking to Craig for a little bit here,” Cora replied. “I wanted security for my family and I wanted to win. Those were my two desires. And we’ve succeeded in both.”
Breslow gained Cora’s admiration for growing “closer” and completing the extension. The manager and chief baseball officer appear to have a definite future together, and their bond has only gotten stronger over the past several months.
“Alex and I have had a relationship for a while, but it’s developed over the last eight months or whatever it is,” Breslow said of the skipper. “I believe that in my role, you want for a manager who is a partner, who can challenge and question when necessary and do so in a constructive manner, and who can stand up for the goals of the company.
“Over the past few months, I’ve witnessed that occur. Beyond all of that, Alex is a fantastic person to connect with. His proficiency in two languages, together with his ability to interact with both young and experienced players in a clubhouse and front office, is unquestionably a huge asset,” he continued. However, I believe that we have become lot more at ease with one another over time. I’m quite enthusiastic about both our current situation and what I believe is ahead.”
Cora will now be a member of the Boston bench till 2027. After Joe Cronin’s 13 seasons as Red Sox manager, he will have managed the team for nine seasons in Boston, making it the second-longest tenure in team history.
Cora’s CV boasts a World Series championship and 494 career victories. The Red Sox made it very evident that they are prepared to go above and above to increase both of those totals by signing Cora for three more years.
