In a candid and extremely informative conversation on the Foul Territory podcast, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora sat down with AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, and Scott Braun to “dissect” what happened in the 2025 season, and also revealed a series of bold offseason plans, from Alex Bregman’s future, Craig Breslow’s strategy, to the role of young talents like Ceddanne Rafaela and Roman Anthony.
Cora’s arrival, just weeks after the Red Sox returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, quickly created a media storm—not because of the disappointment of the Wild Card loss, but because of the clear message that Boston was preparing to return to championship contention next season.
The Red Sox finished 2025 with an 89–73 record, enough to earn a Wild Card spot, but were eliminated in three disappointing games. Cora didn’t shy away from the reality:
“It wasn’t enough. We don’t play to just be there.”
He said the loss only increased the resolve of the team and Breslow—who Cora described as “bold but extremely methodical.”
Cora also reiterated a key point: The Red Sox finished the season 15th in MLB in HR (186) and lacked a consistent offensive presence in the middle of the lineup. Breslow made it clear at the GM Meetings:
“We’re not looking for a 4-5. Elite or not.”
Bregman, coming off a .273/.821 OPS/18 HR season, opted out and officially entered the FA market. Cora praised Bregman not only for his accomplishments, but also for his attitude and his great fit with Fenway:
“He’s a winner. He works hard. He fits in perfectly with Fenway.”
However, with the Phillies and Tigers showing strong interest, Cora admitted:
“We have to let the process play out. But I want him back.”
One of the most interesting highlights was the clearest message about Rafaela’s future.
Despite rumors of him being pushed into the infield to address an outfield “congestion,” Cora said flatly:
“No. He’s our defensive centerpiece.”
Rafaela, 24, has 15 HRs and a string of world-class catches and is seen as the Red Sox’s defensive heart for at least the next half-decade.
Cora has high praise for Anthony, the 21-year-old who had a strong late-season surge:
“He puts positive pressure on everyone.”
Anthony is not just the future — he’s ready for a bigger role, perhaps at LF or DH.
Aroldis Chapman – “Uncontroversial Closer” returns for $13.3 million
Chapman, who just won his second Mariano Rivera Award, will return to Boston in 2026. Cora describes him as the “mental anchor” of the bullpen:
“He’s a closer. There’s no debate.”
His late-game consistency allows the Red Sox to focus heavily on two big targets: a SP1 and a power bat.
Cora insists the Red Sox don’t want to repeat the “playoff-only” pattern:
“We want to be really competitive. And we’re going to attack the offseason like we did last year — even harder.”
With a young core of Crochet, Rafaela, Anthony, Bello, and a budget of around $210 million, Boston is poised to be one of the most active teams in the trade market.
Cora’s conversation sent a clear message to MLB:
The Red Sox are no longer rebuilding. They’re building to win.
The questions surrounding Bregman, Anthony’s role, Chapman’s return, and plans to upgrade their offense all point to Boston facing one of the most important offseasons of the decade.
If Breslow’s “aggressive” promises come true, the Red Sox could be a serious contender as early as 2026.
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