Red Sox manager Cora gets new deal after World Series win

New York (AFP) – Alex Cora, who guided the Boston Red Sox to a World Series title in his first season as a manager, agreed to new contract terms Wednesday with the Major League Baseball club.

The 43-year-old from Puerto Rico, only the second major league manager from his homeland, received a one-year contract extension through the 2021 campaign with a club option for the 2022 season.

“Alex did a tremendous job for our club all year long and we wanted to reward him for his efforts after an amazing season,” Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “We are extremely happy that he will be with us and leading our club on the field.”

Cora masterminded Boston’s 11-3 run through the playoffs to the team’s ninth World Series title and fourth in the past 15 years.

He became only the fifth person to win the World Series in his first season as a manager, joining Bob Brenly (2001, Arizona Diamondbacks), Ralph Houk (1961, New York Yankees), Eddie Dyer (1946, St. Louis Cardinals), and Bucky Harris (1924, Washington Senators).

“For me, 2018 was not only historic, but it was special as well, both on and off the field,” Cora said. “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.”

Cora and Jake Stahl from 1912 are the only people who have won World Series titles with the Red Sox as a manager and player, Cora having been an infielder for Boston during the club’s 2007 championship season.

“We’ve 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 a historic championship season. We know we’re in good hands and could not be more pleased to know he will be with us for the foreseeable future.”

The Red Sox went 108-54, breaking the old club record of 105 wins from the 1912 campaign. Only 1961 New York Yankees manager Ralph Houk, whose club won 109 games, had a better first season as a major league manager.