Alex Cora Could Be Coming Back To Boston: Reports

Of all the things the Red Sox could do to spark some interest after a horrid season, bringing a fan favorite back to the dugout might top the list.

Alex Cora, the former Red Sox manager who was suspended from baseball a year after winning the World Series, is reportedly among five finalists for Boston's open managerial position.

MLB Network's Jon Heyman said Cora is among the "likely finalists," along with Sam Fuld, James Rowson, Don Kelly and Carlos Mendoza. That supports reporting from The Boston Globe, which said the Red Sox have contacted Cora "multiple times" since the season ended.

It's long been suspected the Sox might reunite with Cora once his yearlong suspension for his role in Houston's 2017 sign-stealing scandal ran out. The team and Cora agreed to part ways last offseason after Major League Baseball brought the hammer down on the Astros organization.

Ron Roenicke was thrust into the manager's role during a pandemic-shortened season. Boston relieved him of his duties after a dreadful season.

Cora was embraced by the dugout in his two years with Boston, with young stars Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts among those gravitating to the former infielder.