Alex Cora Reveals Main Reason Red Sox Lost To Yankees In ALWC
What was Cora's diagnosis?
In speaking with reporters on Monday, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed the main reason why his club lost to the New York Yankees in the 2025 American League Wild Card series.
Cora believes Boston lost the series due to its poor defense.
“I think our postseason was short because we didn’t play defense in that series, and we paid the price,” Cora said. “So hopefully, with the talent that we have, we can put it together with the pitching staff, and we can grind some wins just pitching and playing defense.”
A former infielder who played 14 MLB seasons, including a stint with the Red Sox where he contributed to their 2007 World Series title, Cora transitioned to coaching after his playing career, serving as bench coach for the Houston Astros during their 2017 championship.
In 2018, as Red Sox manager, he led the team to a franchise-record 108 wins and another World Series victory, earning acclaim for his strategic acumen and player management.
Cora returned to Boston in 2021. His second tenure has focused on rebuilding, blending young talent with veterans. By 2024, the Red Sox showed promise but missed the playoffs, setting the stage for 2025.
In 2025, Cora guided the Red Sox to an 89-73 record, securing third place in the AL East and their first postseason berth since 2021. They clinched a playoff spot on September 26, demonstrating improved consistency despite injuries.
However, the season ended in disappointment with a 2-1 loss to the New York Yankees in the aforementioned AL Wild Card Series. Cora praised the team’s progress, noting in postseason reflections that they “took a step forward in certain areas” while acknowledging imperfections and offseason needs. Analysts viewed his leadership as solid, navigating a competitive division effectively.
Overall, Cora’s ability to motivate and adapt has solidified his reputation as Boston eyes contention in 2026.
