The Boston Red Sox were at a bowling event for Fan Fest in January. The team was interacting with fans. Then the news broke. Alex Bregman was signing with the Chicago Cubs.
Alex Cora thought Bregman was returning to Boston. The third baseman had opted out of his contract after 2025. The expectation around the organization was clear. Bregman would re-sign. He’d be back at third base in 2026.
Chicago had other plans. The Cubs offered more money. Bregman took it. Cora opened up about the stunning departure Friday on “Foul Territory.”
Cora Opens Up About Bregman’s Exit
The relationship between Cora and Bregman goes back a while. They spent time together in Houston. Bregman had expressed interest in staying with the Red Sox. Cora believed it would happen.
“That Saturday in Boston, it was a tough one,” Cora said. “I thought he was gonna come back…I was like, okay, this is gonna happen. And we were in a bowling event as a team because it was Fan Fest, and all of the sudden everything came out and everybody left the building.”
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Bregman was headed to Chicago. The Red Sox had to pivot. Communication between the sides broke down at some point. Cora explained how it happened without casting blame.
“I think it was more business,” Cora said. “Alex needed to do what was best for Scott Boras and for Alex.”
The personal relationship survived the business transaction.
“Our relationship is great,” Cora said. “We stayed in touch a little bit through the offseason. At one point we didn’t talk because of that.”
Two months have passed. Cora isn’t dwelling on what could have been. The Red Sox are moving forward without Bregman.
“That Saturday in Boston was a tough one. I thought he was going to come back.”
Cora Praises Roman Anthony’s WBC Experience
Roman Anthony has been impressive at the World Baseball Classic. He’s delivered multiple big hits for Team USA. Cora has watched the tournament closely and likes what he’s seeing.
“He’s having a great tournament,” Cora said. “You see the poise, man, the at-bats. He was calm, and that’s who he is.”
Anthony’s path to the WBC happened quickly. Corbin Carroll went down with an injury. Team USA needed an outfielder. Mark DeRosa called Cora to ask about bringing Anthony to the tournament. The Red Sox manager didn’t hesitate.
“We had that conversation, and I was a full yes, go, when DeRosa called me,” Cora said. “Being around Judge and Kyle Schwarber is gonna be very important.”
The experience is paying dividends. Anthony’s composure in high-pressure situations has stood out. Composure he can bring back to the Red Sox.
GettyKyle Schwarber, Roman Anthony and Aaron Judge of Team USA.
Cora on Red Sox Outfield and AL East Battle
Boston has a crowded outfield picture heading into the season. The Red Sox have four quality outfielders competing for three spots.
Cora addressed the logjam Friday. His perspective is simple. Having too many good players beats the alternative.
“How are we gonna manage that whole rotation? And we will make it work, I’ll tell you that,” Cora said. “We’re gonna have good players on the bench, which is not a problem. It’s actually a blessing.”
Depth matters over 162 games. Injuries pop up. Players need rest. Quality bench options help navigate a long season. Cora plans to mix and match based on matchups and performance.
Cora knows the challenge ahead for the Red Sox.
“I don’t know how many teams are going to make it out of the AL East because we’re going to be banging heads,” Cora said. “I think all around the league is very competitive.”
GettyCeddanne Rafaela #3 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with Jarren Duran #16. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Red Sox
Alex Cora thought Alex Bregman was coming back. Bregman chose Chicago. Cora was blindsided but understands the business side.
He’s moved on. Roman Anthony is thriving at the WBC. He is poised for a strong season for Boston. The AL East will be a dogfight.
The Red Sox are ready to compete.
Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Gets Blunt About Bregman Departure