UPDATE: The Red Sox and Alex Cora have reportedly agreed to a three-year contract that will pay him more than $7 million per season, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
While Boston Red Sox fans eagerly await the upcoming MLB trade deadline with bated breath, a surprising development has emerged. No, it's not a blockbuster trade, but a massive contract extension could be announced rather soon.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Red Sox and manager Alex Cora have engaged in recent talks on a contract extension. Passan states that there's momentum toward a new deal and a multi-year contract could be in the works with a chance that Cora is extended before the 2024 season is up.
Red Sox and Alex Cora engaged in contract negotiations
Cora was viewed as a lame-duck manager, which was a playful term tossed about to signify that the skipper did not have a contract beyond this season.
The manager was tracking toward becoming a free agent of sorts this offseason and there would be no shortage of franchises lining up to sign the veteran to a deal.
After watching former Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell sign a massive five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs last winter, Cora is undoubtedly staring down a mega-contract of his own. But rather than allow Cora to test the waters, it would now appear that Red Sox ownership would like to keep the former World Series champion around for years to come.
News: The Boston Red Sox and manager Alex Cora have engaged in recent talks on a contract extension, and there is momentum toward a deal, sources tell me and @Buster_ESPN. After months of silence regarding Cora's lame-duck status, a multiyear contract is a real possibility.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 24, 2024
Having missed out on the postseason last year and making very few free agent additions this past winter, many expected the Red Sox to flounder in 2024 and perhaps even finish in last place in the AL East. But surprisingly, Cora has helped lead Boston to a winning record and a seat at the playoff table.
The Red Sox season has been so surprising that rather than being sellers at the MLB trade deadline, Boston could be in "buy" mode. It's been quite the turnaround for Cora and the Red Sox, and it's clear the organization views his leadership as integral for what's transpired. Maybe this is why they've been saving their money?