Alex Cora Reconnects with Xander Bogaerts Over Dinner in San Diego
SAN DIEGO — In a lighthearted moment before their game against the San Diego Padres, Red Sox manager Alex Cora shared a dinner with his former standout shortstop, Xander Bogaerts. "It’s great because now he pays for dinner," Cora quipped, noting Bogaerts’ lucrative 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres.
Bogaerts is currently enjoying a solid season, batting .271 with a .340 on-base percentage, nine home runs, and 40 RBIs across 113 games. Despite a rocky start that saw him hitting just .227 in the initial phase of the season, the 32-year-old has turned it around significantly since mid-June, posting a commendable .340 batting average and a .932 OPS.
Cora expressed satisfaction with Bogaerts’ performance, stating, “He’s happy. He loves it here… He’s hitting for average, hitting the ball hard, playing good defense.” Cora also touched upon the strengths of the Padres’ roster, which boasts a mix of experienced veterans, enhancing their chances for success.
In addition to catching up with Bogaerts, Cora mentioned former player Jose Iglesias, noting his struggles this season. Iglesias is batting .234 with several key stats, including nine doubles and 25 RBIs over 84 games.
As the Red Sox gear up for their match against San Diego, both Cora and Bogaerts are looking forward to continued success on the field.
“We had a good time catching up, and now hopefully he picks it up again on Monday,” Cora remarked, showcasing both camaraderie and competitive spirit as the baseball season progresses.
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