MLB’s most awaited rivalry was back, and the Red Sox had the final laugh this time. One strike away from ending their losing drought, the Yankees lost again to the Fenway Park’s finest. A crucial loss extended their losing streak, adding to their agony. Perhaps the situation with the Bronx is a crucial one. Against the Cincinnati Reds, they suffered a clean home sweep. This time, the Boston Red Sox gave the Yankees a reality check by playing their ‘A’ game. 

After Clay Holmes squandered a two-run lead with two outs, Tommy Kahnle surrendered a two-run homer in the top of the 10th, resulting in the Yankees’ fourth consecutive loss. Eventually, the Red Sox won 5-3 against the Yankees at Bronx. In an interview after the match, Red Sox manager Alex Cora went all-out to praise the Boston Red Sox team. Aside from the Red Sox doing well, there’s another story brewing. A top MLB insider predicted that the Red Sox could trade Alex Cora. Could other big teams be luring to get him, or will he stay with the Red Sox? 

Alex Cora praises both teams amid Yankees rumors

Applauding the e team, Alex said, “Rafi did an outstanding job. The armstay with the slider, get the base hit… But one thing about them (Yankees), you got to give them credit. They don’t stop playing… It’s a good group… That’s the Testament to who they are, what they’re all about. We’re talented too. So, it’s been fun.” In the tenth inning, Ceddanne Rafaela hit a two-run homer, breaking the tie and leading to Boston’s win. Earlier in the game, Masataka Yoshida went one-for-four and hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning, tying the game at 3-3.

On the other hand, Anthony Volpe and DJ LeMahieu’s mishaps exacerbated Bronx’s ability to win the game. In the third inning, Volpe was scoreless on the third base. If he had crossed the plate before the double play, he could have crossed the Yankees over the line. Also, LeMahieu redirected away from the baseline. This made Rafaela strike out Volpe before he could finish his run. In the end, Boston defeated the Yankees by 5-3 at the Yankees stadium. 

Additionally, keeping in play the trade rumors of Alex Cora, MLB insider Bob Rosenthal expressed his thoughts. At the Foul Territory TV, he was asked which team he visualizes Alex managing next year. Mentioning Cora’s name as a legitimate possibility, Rosenthal said, “First of all, I’m putting Boston on this list. I’m not ruling out that the Red Sox are not going to employ Alex Cora next year. We can look at a number of teams that could have openings. And I’m talking about big teams. The Dodgers are one, the Yankees are another.” 

After the Yankees defeated the Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 14, Boston has turned things around. With Alex Cora’s presence and player’s contribution, they have gone 13-4 since that lost game. Amid such success, it’s unlikely that Boston will trade him to any other team. Especially with the form they are showing in mid-season 2024, their improvement is visible on the field. 

MLB World witnessing a resurgent Boston Red Sox in 2024 mid-season

Seeing the mid-game report card of the Red Sox, under Alex Cora, they are improving in each department. Currently, they stand at a record of 45-39 and are in 3rd position in AL East. Though there were times when the wheels seemed to come off for the Red Sox. This time, the Red Sox are a team to watch out for. Since June 12, they have been riding high on 12-5, and a win against the Yankees will add to those numbers. 

Talking about their pitching and offense, it grabbed the storyline in recent weeks. The team performed well, especially with the heroics of Rafael Devers and Jarren Duran. In the 2024 mid-season, the team is stealing 0.94 bases per game compared to 0.69 in 2023.  Also, including Josh Witkowski gives them an option of five solid starters. In terms of the offense, it has gone better with each game. Currently, the team’s offensive average is .254, the second-best in the AL East League. 

Leading the pack in the offensive lineup, Jarren Durran is in the form of his life. He has hit 10 homers, 21 stolen bases, 10 triples, and has scored 59 runs. Also, with the contribution of David Hamilton in the offense department, the Red Sox is looking strong in that case. Eventually, Alex Cora’s Boston will once again play the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Can they repeat their previous match form, or will the Yankees outshine the Sox? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.