Beltran 'very proud' fellow Puerto Rican Alex Cora is MLB manager

The Houston Astros advanced to their first World Series in 12 years on Saturday after defeating the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series, but the day after celebrating their victory, they found out one member of the staff won't be with them next year.

Bench coach Alex Cora was hired to manage the Boston Red Sox next season and signed a three-year contract. Cora will complete his season with the Astros before moving into his new role in Boston.

That will make the 42-year-old the only Puerto Rican manager in the big leagues, and Astros outfielder Carlos Beltran, who is also from Puerto Rico, is excited about the move.

"I don't see it as a loss (for the Astros); I see it as a gain (for baseball)," Beltran explained to Marly Rivera, according to ESPN's Scott Lauber. "There are only 30 jobs in the major leagues, and a Puerto Rican having one of those jobs - not only a job in the majors because the majors can refer to any team, but such a big market - it makes me very proud. I know that Alex is going to do an excellent job. He's very prepared. We will miss him here, because of the way Cora is as a person, who communicates and relates so well to people."

Cora will take over in Boston from John Farrell. The Red Sox announced Farrell wouldn't return to manage the club next season after winning consecutive division titles, but also losing the division series two seasons in a row.

Beltran admitted he's interested in managing at the MLB level too.

"We'll see. But yes, I have talked to my wife and I have told her that's something I'd like to do in the future, (to manage) a major-league team and have that opportunity," Beltran said. "I have played this game for many years and I am proud to have been able to contribute to players' careers. So if I am given that opportunity at some point, I know I'm going to do well."