Lenny DiNardo Doesn't See Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Staying in Baseball Long-Term
The Boston Red Sox have been incredibly inconsistent since winning the World Series in 2018. They've missed the postseason a few times and even made a surprising run to the ALCS in 2021. But overall, the sense in Bean Town isn't one of hope.
As the team enters the new season, one of the biggest talking points on the minds of the fanbase is the status of manager Alex Cora. Cora helped lead the Red Sox to their World Series win in 2018, but he does enter the season as a lame-duck manager.
There has been talk about him potentially leaving Boston after the season, but there are those who are skeptical about him staying in the game long-term.
Lenny DiNardo joined Hub of Champions to discuss the longevity of Cora. He explained that he doesn't see the Red Sox manager being part of the game for life like other managers.
"He doesn't want that noise to affect the team. Now with that said, he's not the type of guy that wants to go out there, and I've heard him say this, he doesn't want to be the Lou Piniella. He doesn't want to be the Leyland. He doesn't want to be the Baker. These guys that are lifetime managers, lifetime baseball guys. I don't see him really wanting to coach 55, 60, 65 years old like a lot of these guys."
via Lenny DiNardo, Hub of Champions
Assuming Cora stays in baseball for a few more years, the Red Sox may not be his best option. They don't have a great nucleus in place, but his comfort level may end up keeping him in town.
If he does hit the free agent market, he will likely garner excitement from all over. Teams will be trying to win him over, and we could see a massive bidding war break out.
"Alex, whether he stays or whether he goes, he's gonna be a hot commodity on the market. I feel like if you're another team, why wouldn't you want a guy that brings the energy that Alex Cora brings day in and day out"
via Lenny DiNardo, Hub of Champions
Cora will command a similar deal to what Craig Counsell received from the Chicago Cubs this past season. The hope for the Red Sox is that they can contend this year and make sure to keep their star manager around for a while.
Matt earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, covering all Southern California sports in his career.