Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves
When Alex Cora’s contract extension was announced just after the 2024 All-Star break, it came as a surprise to many—especially considering that the Boston Red Sox were still in the playoff hunt at the time, but with significant gaps on their roster. The team had been struggling to assemble a championship-caliber squad in recent years, and after two consecutive last-place finishes, many wondered if Cora’s time in Boston was running out. Yet, the extension came, and it was clear that ownership had faith in the manager to lead the team through a potential rebuild.
Now, with a new season looming, Red Sox fans are left to wonder: was Cora’s extension a simple gesture of trust, or could it signal something bigger on the horizon?
Cora, who took the reins as manager in 2018 and led Boston to a World Series championship in his first season, is one of the most respected managers in the game today. His ability to connect with players, his in-game decision-making, and his handling of the Red Sox’s complex dynamics have made him a cornerstone in the team’s operations. However, even the most capable manager can’t overcome roster deficiencies in today’s competitive MLB environment, and the Red Sox have been sorely lacking in one key area: starting pitching.
The Missing Piece: Starting Pitching
While Boston’s offense has been solid in recent years—thanks in part to dynamic hitters like Rafael Devers and Trevor Story—the team has struggled to build a consistent rotation capable of matching up with the league’s best. The pitching staff has been a mixed bag of injury-prone veterans and promising but unproven arms, and the result has been a lack of stability, particularly in the postseason.
Cora’s extension, however, has raised speculation that ownership might be preparing to spend big to fill that glaring void. Enter Max Fried, the two-time National League All-Star and Gold Glove winner. Recently, baseball analyst Xavier Scruggs predicted that Fried, one of the most coveted free-agent starters this winter, will end up in Boston, and he pointed directly to Cora’s extension as an indicator that the Red Sox are planning to make a major push to improve their pitching staff.
In an interview, Scruggs said, “The Red Sox look at their situation from last year, and Alex Cora does not sign an extension without being guaranteed, ‘You are going to get me some pitching.'” According to Scruggs, Cora would not have agreed to stay on board unless the Red Sox were fully committed to improving the roster in a significant way.
Max Fried’s Potential Impact
If the Red Sox are indeed targeting Fried, it would be a major statement about their commitment to returning to playoff contention. The 31-year-old Fried has been one of the most reliable and successful pitchers in the league over the past several seasons. With a career record of 73-36 and a 3.07 ERA in over 880 innings pitched, Fried brings a level of consistency that the Red Sox desperately need at the top of their rotation. He’s a proven winner, with two top-five Cy Young finishes and three Gold Gloves, and he could easily become the ace Boston’s pitching staff has lacked.
However, signing Fried would come at a steep price. As Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter projected, Fried could command a seven-year, $175 million deal—making it the second-largest pitching contract in Red Sox history. The commitment would be significant, but for a team like Boston, known for its big-market spending, a deal of that magnitude would be within reach. Many fans would welcome such an investment, especially if it were the first step toward rebuilding a championship-caliber team.
The Road Ahead for the Red Sox
For the Red Sox, Cora’s contract extension represents more than just a managerial decision—it could be a sign of an aggressive offseason ahead. If Boston truly does target a marquee pitcher like Fried, the Red Sox would send a message to both their fanbase and the rest of the league that they are serious about returning to playoff contention.
The road to securing Fried won’t be easy, and the team may face stiff competition from other big-market clubs. However, if Cora’s contract is indeed tied to an assurance of resources to build a stronger pitching staff, it could be a sign that the Red Sox are finally ready to make the moves necessary to become a true World Series contender once again.
As the offseason progresses and the Red Sox look to bolster their roster, Cora’s extension could be the first of many moves that aim to close the gap between them and the league’s elite teams. Fans are hoping that this new commitment will ultimately lead to a brighter future for the team and perhaps, the missing ace that Boston needs.
