Red Sox manager Alex Cora won't even commit to being open to return next year

Over the last few weeks, the Boston Red Sox have captured the attention of the national media landscape due to their impressive play which has sprung them into a wild-card spot.

As the team heads toward the All-Star and MLB trade deadline, many have been wondering which direction they'll head in, but a few insiders have been pointing at one thing the Red Sox must do in the near future - extend manager Alex Cora.

Last week, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal listed enticing Cora to stay as a reason Boston should buy at the deadline. Then, during the Red Sox's Sunday night battle with the New York Yankees, the crew brought up how re-signing the manager would be the first thing they'd do.

However, even if Boston's ownership and front office decided to push their chips in at the deadline, there's no guarantee that would entice Cora to stay.

In fact, last week, Cora wouldn't even commit to being open to returning to manage the team in 2025 and beyond.

"I'm definitely open to show up every day and keep working," Cora said when asked by MassLive's Chris Cotillo if he'd be open to coming back. "That's my goal. I said I don't want to talk about the future. I won't talk about the future. Whenever we get there, we get there."

That's as avoidant an answer as you can possibly get from that question.

The Red Sox probably do and should want Cora back leading this team for years to come, but after the lack of financial backing and commitment from ownership in recent years, he probably wants to manage a team owned by someone who believes they have more than a 1-in-30 chance of winning.