Ahead of the 2018 MLB season, Mookie Betts and the Boston Red Sox welcomed their new manager, Alex Cora. This would be Cora’s first managerial job after serving as a bench coach for the Houston Astros.
He did a great job in his first season as manager, taking Boston to the World Series. They would take on the LA Dodgers and the Red Sox won the series 4-2.
After winning it all, Betts was met with NESN reporters for an on-field interview. While holding the trophy, he was adamant that Cora was a big reason for their success that season.
“From day one, when [Alex Cora] came in and kind of told us what we need to do, I expected it. He kind of put it in us that we were going to win, we can win, and we just went out and executed,” said Betts.
Cora knew the talent level that he had and knew the club was good enough to get the job done. All he had to do was make his players believe that, and he did.
“He kept telling us we were a special group and you have to believe it when you hear it that many times” said Betts.
It was a magical season for the Red Sox in 2018. That was their first World Series title since the 2013 season and their most recent triumph.
Alex Cora and the Red Sox have struggled without Mookie Betts
Many believed Mookie Betts would stay with the Red Sox for the entirety of his career. He was a player the club could build around and was a leader in the clubhouse.
However, the two sides could not agree upon a contract extension, sending Betts on his way to the Dodgers ahead of the 2020 season.
Breaking: The trade that will send Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers has been agreed upon, sources tell @jeffpassan.
The new trade will send Betts and David Price to L.A., with OF Alex Verdugo and SS Jeter Downs among the return for Boston. pic.twitter.com/iKlQP4rPM8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 9, 2020
This trade would take its toll on Boston. Since making the trade, they have only made the postseason once (in 2021, losing to Houston in the ALCS).
It has not been easy on the fanbase, especially seeing Betts’ success Betts with the Dodgers. He is a win away from the third World Series of his career. At the time, Will Smith is the only active player with three World Series rings,
