Cora’s Second Refusal and the 2027 Hiatus
Alex Cora has once again declined a managerial offer from the Philadelphia Phillies, confirming his intention to sit out the 2027 season to spend time with his family. According to reports from Dose.ca, this marks the second time Cora has turned down the position, signaling a clear boundary in his post-Red Sox career plans.
The decision effectively removes Cora from the pool of candidates for other open managerial positions across Major League Baseball. Sports Illustrated reported that Cora informed the Phillies his plan to take 2027 off applies league-wide, eliminating him as a potential candidate for teams such as the Seattle Mariners, who are also navigating their own managerial searches.
While Cora is stepping away from the dugout, his financial situation remains unchanged. Dose.ca reported that Cora was fired by the Boston Red Sox in April and will continue to receive his $7.25 million annual salary through the end of the 2027 season. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale added that Cora told the Phillies he would rather take the year off, noting that this decision means the Red Sox will cover his salary during that period.
The Phillies’ Search and Dombrowski’s Outreach
Despite Cora’s refusal, Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski recently reached out to Cora again to discuss the manager's position for the 2027 season. Headtopics noted that Dombrowski previously called Cora "one of the finest managers in the game of baseball" and highlighted his experience working with Hall of Fame managers Tony La Russa and Jim Leyland.
With Cora no longer an option, Dombrowski has turned his attention to other proven candidates. Headtopics reported that Don Mattingly is considered an obvious top candidate for the Phillies' managerial search. Mattingly previously led the team to a 79-55 record following their April playoff berth, providing a strong track record of success with the organization.
The connection between Mattingly and the Phillies has been public for some time. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that Mattingly said, "I think I would like to do it," during the summer, indicating his interest in returning to Philadelphia in a leadership role.
Other Contenders and League-Wide Implications
Beyond Mattingly, Headtopics listed other potential Phillies managerial candidates, including Rocco Baldelli, Brad Ausmus, and David Ross. Each brings distinct qualifications to the table.
Baldelli is the third-winningest manager in Twins history with a record of 527-505 and won Manager of the Year in 2019. His success in Minnesota makes him a notable name in the discussion for top managerial jobs across the league.
Ausmus, who has been the Yankees' bench coach since 2024, brings a long-standing professional relationship with Dombrowski. Headtopics reported that Ausmus has a close relationship with Dombrowski dating back to their time together in Detroit in 2013, which could influence his candidacy.
Cora’s departure from the managerial market also impacts other teams. Sports Illustrated noted that Cora’s decision leaves the Seattle Mariners with a short list of proven managerial options. The Mariners’ search is further complicated by the fact that Torey Lovullo re-signed with Arizona and Stephen Vogt remains under contract with Cleveland, limiting the pool of available experienced managers.
The Broader Managerial Landscape
The ripple effects of Cora’s decision extend beyond Philadelphia. With Cora opting out of the 2027 season entirely, teams like the Mariners are forced to look elsewhere for leadership. The absence of a high-profile candidate like Cora from the market shifts the dynamics for other clubs seeking stability and proven success.
For the Phillies, the search continues with a focus on candidates who have demonstrated the ability to lead successful teams. Mattingly’s previous tenure with the club provides him with a unique advantage, as he is already familiar with the organization’s culture and expectations. His expressed interest, combined with his recent success, makes him a frontrunner in Dombrowski’s eyes.
As the Phillies move forward, the decision to pursue candidates like Mattingly, Baldelli, Ausmus, or Ross will define their next chapter. Cora’s choice to prioritize family and financial security over immediate managerial work highlights the complex considerations facing former managers navigating post-controversy careers in Major League Baseball.