Alex Cora will not manage in 2027, taking himself out of consideration for the Philadelphia Phillies’ managerial opening after the club’s postseason exit.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported that Cora does not plan to manage anywhere next season, confirming an earlier report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Cora enjoyed spending time with his family this summer and remains under contract with the Boston Red Sox through 2027.
The decision removes one of the most experienced names from Philadelphia’s search as the organization considers whether to keep interim manager Don Mattingly.
Cora’s connection to Philadelphia was already established before the latest development. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski offered him the manager’s job after firing Rob Thomson in April, but Cora declined and Mattingly took over on an interim basis.
Mattingly then guided the Phillies to a 79-55 record over the remainder of the regular season. Philadelphia finished 88-74, six games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East, before losing to Atlanta in the Wild Card Series.
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Mattingly has made a case to remain in the role. The Phillies improved substantially after he replaced Thomson, and several players publicly supported him following the season. However, Philadelphia has not removed his interim tag, leaving the organization’s decision unresolved.
The Phillies also have a contractual consideration with Mattingly. He signed a two-year contract to join the organization before the 2026 season, originally as Thomson’s bench coach, before taking over as manager in April.
Cora, meanwhile, managed the Red Sox for 10-17 before Boston dismissed him on April 25. He remains under contract through the 2027 season, meaning the Red Sox will continue paying him while he stays away from the dugout.
With Cora now off the board, Philadelphia must decide whether Mattingly’s strong finish is enough to earn him the permanent job. The Phillies’ next managerial decision will shape the direction of an 88-win team that is looking to return to the postseason after its early October exit.
