Alex Cora is entering his seventh season as Red Sox manager. He has a new three-year deal but also hasn’t gotten this team into the playoffs since 2021. Is it officially put-up or shut-up for the Red Sox skipper?

Here are some numbers to consider: a former Boston Red Sox manager had a .574 winning percentage, two World Series titles, five playoff appearances in eight seasons and never finished below third place in the American League East. That manager is arguably the greatest in Red Sox history, Terry Francona.

Let’s compare him to two other Red Sox managers. One posted a winning percentage of .533 in five seasons, won a World Series title, and made the playoffs three times in those five seasons. The Red Sox finished last twice during his tenure, but also had three first-place finishes. In six seasons, the third skipper had a .536 winning percentage, one World Series title, two last-place finishes, and two playoff appearances.

The former, John Farrell, was fired after his fifth season. The latter, Alex Cora, remains the Red Sox manager as we head into the 2025 season.

The time is now to hold Cora to a higher standard. The Red Sox rewarded Cora with a three-year contract extension before the end of last season despite another playoff-less season and a late fade.

Now, it can be argued that Cora didn’t have the pieces to make it to the postseason this past year, but it can’t be argued that the Red Sox have finished last twice in his six-year tenure and have had just one 90+ win season since winning 108 in his opening season.

Alex Cora must prove himself in 2025 by taking the Red Sox to the postseason to make his extension worth it

Cora came to Boston in 2018 with arguably one of the best lineups the team has had since the 2004 World Series championship team. Cora now comes into 2025 with over 500 wins as Red Sox manager but now three years removed from their last year in the playoffs. Farrell was fired in 2017 after two straight first place finishes. Cora has a roster capable of making the playoffs this season after adding some talented pitching and a few moves rumored to be in the works. How Cora incorporates upcoming prospects Kristian Campbell and Roman Anthony with Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran, and Trevor Story could decide the fate of the 2025 Red Sox.

Cora’s ability to handle the Sox’s bullpen will be critical as well. Since 2022, the Red Sox bullpen ERA has finished 28th, 26th, and 21st in MLB. His management of the bullpen has also been questionable, and this season, he’ll be asked to make some major decisions as manager with Liam Hendriks, Justin Slaten, Aroldis Chapman, and Garrett Whitlock all heading into camp as high-leverage arms. Can Cora utilize Whitlock effectively while also protecting his arm less than a year after surgery? Will Cora go with Hendriks, coming off two lost seasons due to injury and illness, or will he take a chance with a guy like Slaten, who has plus stuff but hasn’t ever been a true closer?

Cora has a new three-year contract but that shouldn’t mean he is untouchable. The Red Sox have improved this offseason and have a good blend of youth and veteran players both on the pitching staff and everyday lineup. It is now up to Cora to get this group into playoff contention for the first time since 2021.

If things don’t go that way early, Boston must take a long look and consider getting a new voice to head this roster. The Red Sox haven’t made the playoffs since 2021 and haven’t had a winning record since that season. No excuses are necessary; it’s now or never for the Red Sox to put together a playoff push.