HOUSTON -- Astros bench coach Alex Cora has been linked to a number of open managerial jobs in recent weeks, and a report emerged Thursday saying that he could be named manager of the Red Sox as early as the conclusion of the American League Championship Series. And although Boston president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski confirmed the team hasn't made a final decision on its next manager, there are still indications that Cora would end up with the job.
The Red Sox interviewed Cora last week in New York while the Astros were in town to play the Yankees in the ALCS presented by Camping World. The Yankees lead the best-of-seven series, 3-2, heading into Game 6 tonight in Houston.
Cora, in his first year as bench coach with the Astros, also interviewed earlier this week with the Mets, who are looking to replace Terry Collins. When asked Thursday about the report from NBC Boston's Evan Drellich linking Cora to the Red Sox, Astros manager A.J. Hinch said he had no information.
"I know Alex has interviewed for every job in this country, and maybe elsewhere, as far as I know," he joked during a news conference at Minute Maid Park. "We'll find out in due time."
The Red Sox have also interviewed former Tigers manager Brad Ausmus and former Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire, who is reportedly in discussions to become the next Tigers manager. Dombrowski said he is unsure if he will interview any more candidates.
Cora, 42, has an extensive background that includes jobs as a baseball analyst on ESPN and serving as the general manager of Criollos de Caguas, his hometown team in the Puerto Rico winter league. Cora was also GM of the Puerto Rican team that participated in the World Baseball Classic. That's on top of a 14-year Major League career with six teams, including the Red Sox.
The Red Sox parted ways with John Farrell two days after the Astros eliminated them in the AL Division Series presented by Doosan.