3 Potential Alex Cora Replacements for Red Sox

2. Dustin Pedroia

Another former player the team should consider is Pedroia.

After Varitek hung up his spikes following the 2011 season, Pedroia became the team’s de facto captain until his own final game in 2019. A former MVP, Pedroia was also extremely popular with the fans thanks to his underdog spirit, outstanding work ethic and obvious passion for the game.

Pedroia is also ultra-competitive and will do whatever it takes to win, which is what Boston seriously needs right now. Cora has appeared checked out at times during the past few seasons once his team has fallen out of the race, but that would never happen with Pedroia. Every game is life or death to him.

Pedroia also wouldn’t tolerate some of the crap from the players that Cora has. Pedroia wears his heart on his sleeve and wouldn’t let players undermine him or quit on him. He’d hold them accountable and keep them playing hard until the final out.

While he lacks managing experience, Pedroia would give the Sox a much-needed jolt in the dugout.