3 Chaim Bloom moves that helped Red Sox overcome Mookie Betts trade

1. Red Sox welcome back Alex Cora

Alex Cora remains a World Series-winning manager, but despite all of that the Red Sox were forced to let him go before the start of the 2020 season due to his role in the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, when he was an assistant coach with the team. After a season off to think about his actions, it was clear these two sides needed each other. Boston had scuffled to a near-bottom finish in the AL East, while Cora was still unemployed, but being considered by other teams for managerial openings.

Boston acted quickly, deeming Cora’s lesson learned and rehiring him to his old post. It’s clear he has a huge impact on this Red Sox team, bringing experience and a winning mentality back to Fenway Park after a year’s absence. While it’ll always be debated by rival fans whether or not a sole year away from the game was enough for Cora’s punishment, Red Sox supporters love him. This is the same man who told the Yankees to “suck it” on live television. He belongs in Boston, and he’s off to a flying start in 2021.