The Boston Red Sox and manager Alex Cora agreed to new terms on a contract, according to President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski. The terms include a one-year extension through the 2021 season, with a club option for 2022.
“Alex did a tremendous job for our club all year long and we wanted to reward him for his efforts after an amazing season,” Dombrowski said. “We are extremely happy that he will be with us and leading our club on the field.”
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“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,” Cora, who was named the 47th manager in Red Sox history on October 22, 2017, said. “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.”
Cora led the Red Sox to a spectacular season in his first year as manager, with 108 regular season wins and a World Series Championship. He finished second in American League Manager of the Year voting, behind Oakland’s Bob Melvin.
Cora’s second place finish was likely influenced by the team’s high payroll. Additionally, the Manager of the Year voting is conducted prior to the playoffs. Had the 30 voters known Cora would be walking away with the greatest record in franchise history and a World Series Championship under his belt, the voting might have resulted in his favor.
Kimbrel declines qualifying offer
Closer Craig Kimbrel declined a chance to make $17.9 million with the Red Sox next season. By turning down this offer, Kimbrel will forgo a guaranteed one-year in Boston and enter free agency.
“We anticipated he would reject it,” Dombrowski said.
If Kimbrel signs with a team other than Boston, the Red Sox will receive a draft pick in the vicinity of the fourth round because the team was above the luxury tax threshold in 2018. The team who acquires him would also have to give up a draft pick.
At age 30, this will be Kimbrel’s first time testing the free agent market. He was a dominant closer through most of the 2018 regular season, finishing with a 2.74 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 96 strikeouts in 62 innings. His performance was less impressive in the postseason when he had a 5.81 ERA with just 10 strikeouts to eight walks in 10 innings.
