MLB

Report: Alex Cora turns down Phillies’ managerial job

USA Today and The Philadelphia Inquirer report that Cora plans to sit out 2027, leaving Philadelphia's managerial decision unresolved.

Alex Cora wears a Boston Red Sox cap and jacket on the field.
Alex Cora during his time with the Boston Red Sox. File photo: Robert F. Bukaty / AP. · Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP

Alex Cora has turned down the Philadelphia Phillies’ managerial job and plans to stay out of the dugout in 2027, according to reports published Tuesday night.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale first reported that Cora told president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski he would take next season off. Nightengale cited an unnamed Phillies executive with direct knowledge of their discussions.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber also reported the decision, citing a source familiar with the situation. Cora previously declined Philadelphia’s offer in April after Boston fired him.

Cora and Dombrowski won the 2018 World Series together with the Red Sox. Cora remains owed about $7.25 million by Boston for 2027, according to the reports.

The Phillies’ next manager remains undecided. Lauber reported that Philadelphia could keep interim manager Don Mattingly in the role or conduct a search. Mattingly remains under contract through 2027 under his bench-coach agreement.

Sources and notes

  1. Bob Nightengale / USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/phillies/2026/10/06/alex-cora-philadelphia-phillies-manager/92129276007/
  2. Scott Lauber / The Philadelphia Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/alex-cora-future-phillies-manager-decision-2027-20261007.html