Former Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Sends 4-Word Message to Willson Contreras
BALTIMORE, MD – APRIL 25: Manager Alex Cora #13 of the Boston Red Sox looks on in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 25, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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Alex Cora may have been removed from his role as manager of the Boston Red Sox, but he has not abandoned the promise he made when he led the club.
In the months after his sudden departure, the former Red Sox skipper followed up with a charitable commitment that coincided with one of Boston’s biggest hit-and-run incidents. That offer officially came after first baseman Wilson Contreras hit a milestone over the weekend, amid his own controversy that included back-to-back ejections and a benching controversy with the Washington Nationals.
Former Boston Red Sox Captain Alex Cora Honored Promise After Wilson Contreras Blast
Just before the season started, Cora pledged to donate $20,000 to The Jimmy Fund, a cancer charity, if a Red Sox player hit the home run milestone.
“In February, Alex Cora pledged to donate $20,000 to the Jimmy Fund if a Red Sox player hit 20 home runs in 2026,” Chris Cotillo. reports MassLive. “He may have been fired in April, but that’s not stopping Cora from following through on his promise. Cora confirmed Monday via text that he will remain loyal and make the offer he promised after first baseman Wilson Contreras hit his 20th game of the season Sunday night in Anaheim.”
Cora may have felt that, after being unfairly let go amid the group’s negative results, she no longer needed to honor previous commitments or even answer media questions. But shortly after Contreras reached the milestone, Cora gave a simple four-word response that showed his trust in the list and the greater purpose behind the promise.
“I’m glad it happened,” Cora said in the text, per Cotillo. “Actually, that was a simple promise. I trust my players. We need more people to join us!”
Boston Red Sox World Series champion Alex Cora appears likely to return with the Philadelphia Phillies
While Cora’s commitment to his former roster is a cause for recognition, his potential managerial future may draw more attention throughout baseball. After guiding the Red Sox to a World Series championship in 2018, he appears to be high on the list of high-profile openings.
“Although the New York Mets would like to hire Alex Cora as their next manager, Cora is still expected to join the Phillies after rejecting their offer to replace Rob Thomson, who was fired by the team on April 28,” Bob Nightengale. USA Today reported. “The Phillies instead turned to Don Mattingly. Hall of Famer Carlos Beltran is the favorite to fill the Mets’ vacancy when interim manager Andy Green returns to the front office this winter.”
Regardless of where Cora ends up, her latest action has cemented the reputation she’s built in Boston. Even after leaving the organization, he honored the promise associated with the Red Sox and The Jimmy Fund, while celebrating Contreras’ success with a short but meaningful message.
