On three occasions in Wednesday’s walk-off win, the Boston Red Sox tied or exceeded the Los Angeles Angels’ run total, only to concede the lead in the top half of the next inning. Alex Cora took the podium following the win and offered insight into how managing the 2025 Red Sox was different from managing previous teams, such as the 2018 World Series team.
“It’s different,” Cora told reporters. “You have to teach the game, you have to be in constant communication about situations.”
The 2018 team was significantly more experienced than the current iteration, particularly in the field. While the average ages of the two teams are similar, the position players on the 2018 playoff roster averaged nearly seven years of major league experience.
Rafael Devers was the youngest of the group at 21 years old, in his second big league season. Now, he’s among the most experienced bats on the roster.
“We expect big things out of some guys in that clubhouse that are just starting their big league careers,” Cora said.
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With Alex Bregman sidelined due to injury, Cora is relying on three rookies: Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer, and Carlos Narvaez.
He emphasized relying on the experienced players to guide those new to the major league level.
“Sharing the clubhouse with young guys who became great, this experience should help them out.”
The three rookies will get their first taste of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry this weekend as the team heads to the Bronx for a three-game weekend set.
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