Former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he would like to manage again; he’s just not sure when.Appearing on the “Dirt from the Dugout” podcast with Karl Ravech, Cora emphasized how much he has enjoyed spending time with his family since being fired by Boston in late April. Shortly after, Cora turned down the chance to manage the Philadelphia Phillies after they fired Rob Thomson.“I think at one point I’m going to get back. When? We don’t know,” Cora said. “I needed my family… At the end of the day, priorities are priorities. These people are amazing, and they’re loving life.”The Red Sox fired Cora and three coaches on April 25 after a 10-17 start to the season. Boston languished near the bottom of the American League standings for two more months under interim manager Chad Tracy before an incredible turnaround over the last six and a half weeks. The Sox were 32-5 until losing their last three games.
Cora has spent the past few months in his hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico, with his fiancée Angelica and his twin nine-year-old sons, Xander and Isander. They’ve traveled through Europe and even returned to Boston for a trio of World Cup matches. In deciding when to manage again, Cora said his family will play a pivotal role.“There are three different opinions in that room right now,” he said. “You ask the boys, they want me to manage, and they have their teams. You ask Angelica, she’s very polite about it and let’s see what the future holds.”Cora said Angelica influenced him to turn down the job with Philadelphia, which opened days after he was let go in Boston. It was an opportunity to work with Dave Dombrowski, with whom Cora had won the 2018 World Series in Boston.“She was very honest after the situation in Boston and whatever could have happened. She was the one that slowed everything down for me and for us, making sure that the family was in the right place for us to move forward whenever we decide to,” Cora said. “Teamwork goes on the field and off the field. You have to surround yourself with people who understand this journey and this business.”Cora figures to be a sought-after candidate this winter. The Phillies and New York Mets will each be in the market for a full-time skipper, not to mention any other jobs that turn over at the end of the season. Over parts of eight seasons with the Red Sox from 2018 to 2026, Cora went 620-541 (.534) with an 18-10 record in three postseason appearances. Cora was suspended for the 2020 season because of his involvement in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal before being rehired by the Red Sox for 2021.And if Cora isn’t back managing next season, he does already have plans for a trip to his old home. He plans to run the Boston Marathon next April.
