Alex Cora Apologizes for Role in Sign-Stealing Case: 'I Deserved What Happened'

As he returns to the Boston Red Sox for his second stint as manager, Alex Cora expressed remorse after being one of the key figures named in Major League Baseball's sign-stealing investigation. 

Speaking to the media Tuesday, Cora said, "I deserved what happened, and I'm not proud of it."

On Nov. 6, the Red Sox announced they signed Cora to a two-year deal to replace Ron Roenicke as manager. 

Cora and the Red Sox agreed to part ways Jan. 14, one day after MLB released its findings amid allegations that the Astros had an elaborate system designed to steal signs from the opposing team and relay the information to players on the field during games. 

Cora was a bench coach for the Astros during the 2017 season and played a significant role in the scheme. 

"Cora was involved in developing both the banging scheme and utilizing the replay review room to decode and transmit signs," MLB said in its official report. "Cora participated in both schemes, and through his active participation, implicitly condoned the players' conduct."

Manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for one year. The Astros were fined $5 million and forfeited their first- and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021. Houston owner Jim Crane subsequently fired Hinch and Luhnow. 

In a separate investigation, MLB determined that the Red Sox used a sign-stealing system during the 2018 season that wasn't as expansive as what Houston used. 

The Red Sox forfeited their 2020 second-round draft pick. Cora, who wasn't disciplined by MLB as part of the punishment levied against Boston, was suspended for the 2020 season because of his role in Houston's scheme.

During his two seasons as Boston's manager in 2018 and 2019, Cora went 192-132 and led the franchise to a World Series title in his first year.