Coaches and managers in sports might not always be the deciding factor in winning championships, but they’re certainly a piece of the puzzle.
In light of the Patriots’ Jerod Mayo situation, it feels like a good moment to acknowledge that the Red Sox don’t have it too bad when it comes to coaching.
In fact, they’ve got it pretty good.
I’m not here to argue that Alex Cora is the best thing since sliced bread. He’s not perfect, has made mistakes, and isn’t a contender for the title of greatest manager in baseball history.
However, he’s a very good manager. Being at the helm of the most successful team in Red Sox history — one that won 119 games and dominated the World Series — speaks volumes.
Cora is a sharp, baseball-savvy leader who has played at the highest level. He combines an old-school instinct for the game with a healthy respect for modern sabermetrics, seamlessly blending tradition and analytics.
In many ways, he’s the ideal manager for today’s Red Sox.
While the organization has its fair share of challenges — from ownership to roster construction — the man running the dugout isn’t one of them.
Vladdy or Breggy?
If there’s anything slowing down a potential Alex Bregman signing with the Red Sox, you’d expect it to be their usual cost-conscious approach.
What’s surprising is the possibility that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. might be a factor.
Last week, rumors resurfaced about Guerrero Jr.’s interest in the Red Sox. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Guerrero “would love to be with the Red Sox” if he doesn’t secure an extension with the Blue Jays. This may explain why the Sox haven’t finalized a deal with Bregman.
Between the two, Guerrero is the clear choice. He’s younger, a bigger star, and a more powerful hitter. Sliding him or Rafael Devers into the DH role while offloading Yoshi Tsutsugo sounds like a win.
But is Boston genuinely debating between two expensive stars, or is this just smoke and mirrors? It’s more plausible this is a negotiation tactic from Guerrero’s camp.
Even if Guerrero becomes available, the cost to sign him would be steep — that’s why the Blue Jays might part ways with him in the first place. If Boston is ready to invest in a high-priced right-handed bat, Bregman might be the cheaper option now compared to Guerrero down the road.
While the idea of Guerrero, Garrett Crochet, and Walker Buehler joining the Sox is exciting, it feels more like wishful thinking for now.
Chris Martin Heads Home
Chris Martin, a crucial part of Boston’s bullpen in recent years, is heading back to his hometown of Arlington, Texas.
Despite reportedly being offered more money to stay with the Red Sox, the 38-year-old right-hander opted to sign a one-year deal with the Rangers for the 2025 season.
For a Red Sox team already in need of bullpen reinforcements, Martin’s departure is a significant blow.
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