Alex Cora will reportedly take the 2027 Major League Baseball season off, turning down an offer from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Alex Cora will not become the next manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, despite strong mutual interest from the National League franchise ahead of the upcoming Major League Baseball campaign.
Philadelphia president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski personally spoke to Cora about taking over the dugout role, but the former Boston Red Sox manager revealed his clear intention to take the 2027 season off, according to information published by bleache.
This managerial decision comes after Cora previously declined an offer from the Philadelphia organization back in April, choosing instead to spend the rest of the summer with his family.
Dave Dombrowski and Philadelphia Phillies Manager Search
The strategic interest from the Philadelphia Phillies in Alex Cora comes as no surprise given the professional history between the two baseball figures. Dave Dombrowski previously worked alongside Cora with the Boston Red Sox from 2018 to 2019, building a strong working relationship during their time in the American League.
During his tenure in Boston, Cora compiled an impressive 620-541 overall record. He successfully guided the Red Sox to four postseason appearances in his first seven years, highlighted by a memorable 2018 campaign that culminated in the franchise capturing its ninth World Series title.
Alex Cora Coaching Career and Red Sox Departure
The managerial landscape shifted significantly for Alex Cora during the 2026 Major League Baseball season. He opened the year managing the Boston Red Sox, but the front office decided to part ways after the team stumbled out of the gate with a disappointing 10-17 record.
Despite his early departure from Boston, Cora remains one of the most sought-after leaders in professional baseball, which explains why top-tier contenders like the Philadelphia Phillies immediately targeted him when their own managerial opening arose.
Philadelphia Phillies 2026 Season and Don Mattingly Future
The Philadelphia Phillies experienced their own early managerial turmoil during the 2026 campaign. The organization parted ways with Rob Thomson following a sluggish 9-13 start, turning the club over to interim manager Don Mattingly for the remainder of the year.
Under Mattingly, the team finished with a solid 88-74 record and secured a postseason berth, although they were ultimately eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series. Mattingly has expressed strong interest in keeping the job permanently, but the franchise has not yet announced a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Alex Cora turn down the Philadelphia Phillies job?
Alex Cora turned down the opportunity to manage the Philadelphia Phillies because he intends to take the entire 2027 Major League Baseball season off to spend time with his family.
Who is the current manager of the Philadelphia Phillies?
Don Mattingly served as the interim manager for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2026 season following the departure of Rob Thomson, though the team has not finalized its long-term managerial plans.
What is Alex Cora's managerial record in MLB?
Alex Cora holds a 620-541 overall managerial record, primarily with the Boston Red Sox, and notably led the franchise to a World Series championship in 2018.
