Alex Cora Has 'Harsh' Punishment Coming After Historic Penalties

Punishment for Red Sox manager Alex Cora for his role in two cheating scandals will reportedly be "harsh," with the report coming shortly after Major League Baseball slammed another franchise with historic penalties for the same thing Cora is tied up in.

There is the possibility that Cora could be suspended for at least a year, according to USA Today. That's a previously unheard of punishment but one that was reportedly handed Monday to Houston Astros general manager Jeff Lunhow and manager AJ Hinch. The Astros also were fined $5 million and lost first- and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021.

Soon after the punishments were reported, Houston fired both men.

"Discipline for Red Sox manager Alex Cora is coming," ESPN's Jeff Passan said. "It is going to be harsh, per sources."

Cora was the bench coach for Houston when the team won the World Series in 2017. They have been accused of a sign-stealing scheme that benefitted their league-best offense.

But that's not all for Cora. The Red Sox were also recently accused of using the video replay room to steal signs for their offense the year Boston won the World Series in 2018, Cora's first year with the team.

Cora was involved in developing the cheating scandal in Houston, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, adding "through [Cora's] active participation, implicitly condoned the players' conduct."

Manfred said he will withhold punishment for the Red Sox scandal until an investigation is complete.