Although the 2018 season was his first as manager of Boston Red Sox, Alex Cora managed to do impressive things with the team – including setting a franchise-record of 108 wins in a regular season and winning the World Series. Now, as a reward for an awesome year, Cora received a contract extension which will keep him with the team through 2021.
The deal also included a significant pay rise since Cora was one of the managers with the lowest salary in MLS, banking only $800,000 annually. Red Sox decided not to reveal the financial terms of his new contract.
#RedSox and manager Alex Cora today agreed to new terms on a contract, including a one-year extension through the 2021 season, with a club option for 2022.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski made the announcement. pic.twitter.com/HKLYJh392m
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) November 14, 2018
“Alex did a tremendous job for our club all year long, and we wanted to reward him for his efforts after an amazing season,” – said the president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski in a statement. “We are extremely happy that he will be with us and leading our club on the field.”
“We have consistently been impressed by Alex at every turn,” – added Red Sox chairman Tom Werner. “His knowledge of the game, ability to connect with our players and his incredible instincts and decisiveness led us to a historic championship season. We know we are in good hands, and could not be more pleased to know he will be with us for the foreseeable future.”
After he led Boston Red Sox to a World Series win, Alex Cora became only the fifth manager in MLB history who managed to do this in his first season with the team.
“Since day one, John and Linda Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, Sam Kennedy, and Dave Dombrowski have been incredibly supportive of me and my family, and for that I am extremely grateful,” – said Cora after inking the new deal. “For me, 2018 was not only historic, but it was special as well, both on and off the field. We have a great appreciation for our accomplishments this past year, but now our focus moves forward to the season ahead and defending our World Series title.“
After finishing the professional career, during which he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Red Sox, and Washington Nationals among other teams, Alex Cora worked as a color analyst for baseball on ESPN. In 2016 he joined the Houston Astros as a bench coach and was part of the coaching staff that won World Series next year. He was named Red Sox’ manager in October 2017.
