Alex Cora's first season as Red Sox manager couldn't have gone any better. A franchise-record 108 wins. A dominating postseason run, culminating in the ninth World Series in club history.
On Wednesday, the Sox rewarded Cora for his efforts, agreeing to terms on a new contract that includes an extension through the 2021 season with a club option for 2022.
“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 in the team's official press release. “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.”
The new deal presumably includes some sort of raise, considering Cora made a paltry $800,000 in 2018, placing him near the bottom of all major league managers.
“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 Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. “We are extremely happy that he will be with us and leading our club on the field.”
Cora finished second in the A.L. Manager of the Year voting, but still led the Sox to 108 wins in his rookie season, the second-most by a first-year manager in MLB history.
“We have consistently been impressed by Alex at every turn,” Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner said. “His knowledge of the game, ability to connect with our players, and his incredible instincts and decisiveness led us to an 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.”
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