Alex Cora Reacts To Speculated Red Sox Target Landing Megadeal
The was some irony to the Red Sox hosting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays on Monday night.
The series opener between American League East rivals marked Guerrero’s first game after reportedly agreeing to a monstrous 14-year, $500 million extension with Toronto. The superstar slugger initially appeared bound for free agency when he failed to land an extension at the outset of spring training, and Boston was widely believed to be a realistic landing spot.
Instead, the Red Sox on Monday learned they will need to deal with Guerrero in the division for the next decade-plus. While that presents an obstacle for Alex Cora’s side, Boston’s manager nonetheless was pleased to see the 26-year-old rewarded for his talent and production.
“If it’s true, great for him,” Cora told reporters before the Red Sox’s 6-2 loss to the Blue Jays, per The Boston Globe. “I mean, he had a whole country behind that contract. I think it’s good for the franchise. It’s good for baseball. The guy’s also unique at what he does, and he enjoys the game. You see him play and it’s amazing. If it happens, good for him.”
It’s unclear if Craig Breslow and company were preparing to make a serious run at Guerrero in the event he reached the open market. Boston executives previously were preoccupied with ironing out extensions for Garrett Crochet and Kristian Campbell, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the front office currently is working on potential new deals for other internal candidates.
Such moves would put the Red Sox in a position for sustained success, which won’t be easy to achieve annually when players like Guerrero are providing competition in the AL East.