Red Sox, Cora agree on new deal through '21

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BOSTON -- A day after Alex Cora finished second in the American League Manager of the Year Award race, the Red Sox gave their skipper the ultimate vote of confidence by redoing his contract to include a raise, an extra guaranteed year in 2021 and a club option that can keep him in Boston through '22.
Behind Cora, the Red Sox notched a franchise-record 108 wins in the regular season and rolled through the competition in the postseason, going 11-3 to bring home a World Series championship -- Boston's fourth in the last 15 seasons.
The contract that Cora signed last November was a three-year deal that went through 2020 and included an option for '21.
The new contract boosts the amount of money Cora will make per season while tacking on an additional year.
Cora the runner-up for AL Manager of the Year

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By taking such swift action on Cora's contract, the Red Sox are demonstrating how much they believe their manager had to do with the team's success.
"We have consistently been impressed by Alex at every turn," said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner. "His knowledge of the game, ability to connect with our players, and his incredible instincts and decisiveness led us to a historic championship season. We know we are in good hands and could not be more pleased to know he will be with us for the foreseeable future."
Cora drew rave reviews for a variety of things, including his ability to communicate, his tactical decisions and the way he integrated analytics into daily life in the dugout.
Without question, Cora won over his players and also earned the confidence of ownership and the front office.
"Alex did a tremendous job for our club all year long and we wanted to reward him for his efforts after an amazing season," said Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. "We are extremely happy that he will be with us and leading our club on the field."

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The 43-year-old Cora expressed gratitude after receiving the new contract.
"Since Day 1, John and Linda Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, Sam Kennedy and Dave Dombrowski have been incredibly supportive of me and my family, and for that I am extremely grateful," said Cora. "For me, 2018 was not only historic, but it was special as well, both on and off the field. We have a great appreciation for our accomplishments this past year, but now our focus moves forward to the season ahead and defending our World Series title."
The Red Sox are aiming to become MLB's first repeat champion since the Yankees won their third straight in 2000.
Cora came just one win shy of tying Ralph Houk (1961 Yankees) for the most wins by a rookie manager. He was the first rookie manager to win a World Series since Bob Brenly for the D-backs in 2001. Cora joined Jake Stahl (105 wins in 1912) as the only skipper to win 100 games in his first season with Boston.

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