From Scandal to Solidarity: How Alex Cora and Alex Bregman Rebuilt Their Friendship
The fallout from the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal of 2017 sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, tarnishing reputations and straining relationships. One of the most unexpected fractures was between Alex Cora and Alex Bregman. Cora, who was the Astros’ bench coach during their infamous championship run, and Bregman, the team’s star third baseman, once shared a bond built on trust, mentorship, and mutual respect. But as the scandal unraveled, their relationship took a major hit.
Years later, however, the two have quietly worked to repair what was broken, proving that time, honesty, and shared experiences can heal even the deepest wounds.
The Fallout
When MLB’s investigation confirmed that the Astros had used illicit methods to steal signs, the repercussions were severe. Cora, by then the manager of the Boston Red Sox, was suspended for a year for his role in the scheme. While Bregman remained on the field, his reputation suffered, and he became one of the faces of the scandal.
Publicly, Bregman distanced himself from the controversy, offering a brief and unemotional apology. Meanwhile, Cora took full responsibility, acknowledging his mistakes in a way that many found more genuine. Privately, however, their relationship became strained.
Bregman had long respected Cora as both a mentor and a strategist. But as the scandal unfolded, he felt a sense of betrayal—not just by the system they had all been a part of, but by the way things had unraveled. Cora, on the other hand, understood why many, including Bregman, needed space from him.
The Road to Reconciliation
In baseball, time has a way of offering second chances. When Cora returned to manage the Red Sox in 2021, the tension between him and Bregman still lingered. Their interactions were brief, professional, and lacked the warmth they once had.
But over time, mutual friends and former teammates encouraged them to reconnect. One key moment came in 2022 when a former Astros teammate organized a private dinner during the offseason. Away from the public eye, Cora and Bregman finally had the chance to talk—not as player and coach, but as two individuals who had been through the same storm.
Cora spoke candidly about the weight of his suspension, the regret he carried, and how he had tried to make amends. Bregman, in turn, admitted his frustration with how everything had played out but also acknowledged his own mistakes in the situation. That conversation didn’t immediately fix everything, but it laid the foundation for understanding.
A Stronger Bond Today
Fast forward to 2024, and while Cora and Bregman may not be as close as they once were, there’s no longer animosity between them.
