Alex Cora joins the show, brushes off early season struggles
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In this episode of WEI Afternoons, Red Sox manager Alex Cora joins the show to discuss the team's rocky start to the 2026 season, addressing early struggles from key offseason acquisitions like Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, and new players such as Roman Anthony and Marcelo Meyer. Cora downplays the significance of the first four games, emphasizing that 162-game seasons naturally include slumps and that early numbers are often misleading. He expresses confidence in his young players, praising their work ethic and potential for growth, while also highlighting the importance of patience and communication in managing a deep, flexible roster. Cora reflects positively on the World Baseball Classic, noting its positive impact on player development and team momentum. He also shares insights into emerging pitchers like Connor Schlittler and Brian Baio, crediting their improved poise to experiences in the WBC. Despite concerns about carryover from last year’s slow start, Cora remains composed, stressing that the season is long and progress will come with time and consistency.
Early-season struggles are normal and shouldn't be overreacted to—162-game seasons allow for slumps and bounce-backs.
Young players like Roman Anthony, Marcelo Meyer, and Connor Schlittler are earning their roles through work ethic and performance, not entitlement.
The World Baseball Classic provided valuable high-leverage experience for Red Sox players and helped build confidence and poise.
Cora values adaptability in the lineup and rotation, using depth as a strategic advantage rather than a burden.
Home runs are important, but Cora emphasizes the need to score runs through other means like base-running, situational hitting, and moving runners over.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening the Season with Alex Cora
Hosts welcome Alex Cora to the show, setting the stage for a weekly conversation about the Red Sox’s 2026 season, with sponsor intros and a warm welcome.
Early Season Struggles: A Natural Part of the Process
“It's four games, so it's just part of the season. I think when you struggle, it's a 20-game sample size, 25-game sample size, but you can go 0 for 12 during the season...”
The Impact of the World Baseball Classic
“The way it ended, just perfect, right? And two great teams and just going at it. And you could feel it, right? The electricity and people were watching.”
Young Talent and Roster Flexibility
“He did a good job. Last year something that really caught my eye, he had surgery and he pushed everybody... to try to make it to the playoffs.”
Reflections on the Past and Outlook for the Season
Cora acknowledges similarities between this year’s start and last year’s 1-4 slump, but remains confident in the team’s ability to evolve and improve over time.
“The way it ended, just perfect, right? And two great teams and just going at it. And you could feel it, right? The electricity and people were watching.”
“It's four games, so it's just part of the season. I think when you struggle, it's a 20-game sample size, 25-game sample size, but you can go 0 for 12 during the season.”
“He did a good job. Last year something that really caught my eye, he had surgery and he pushed everybody, the medical staff and the training staff to try to make it to the playoffs.”
Host
Guest
Alex Cora
person
Boston Red Sox
other
World Baseball Classic
other
Marcelo Meyer
person
Roman Anthony
person
Connor Schlittler
person
Ranger Suarez
person
Brian Baio
person
Sonny Gray
person
Shaw's and Star Market
brand
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