The Philadelphia Phillies’ ongoing search for a long-term manager may not be over, despite an earlier setback in their pursuit of Alex Cora. According to a recent report, the organization still believes it will eventually land its preferred candidate even after he initially declined their offer.
Earlier this season, the Phillies made a major organizational shift by parting ways with manager Rob Thomson following a disappointing stretch of play. In response, the front office quickly set its sights on Cora, who had recently been dismissed from his role with the Boston Red Sox. The move signaled Philadelphia’s intent to make a bold, high-profile hire to lead the team into the future.
Although Cora ultimately turned down the Phillies’ initial approach, optimism within the organization remains high. USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale reported that Philadelphia is confident it will get another opportunity to bring Cora aboard and expects him to be their manager by the 2027 season. However, the Phillies are unlikely to be alone in their pursuit, as teams like the Houston Astros and New York Mets are also anticipated to show strong interest in the veteran skipper.
In the meantime, the Phillies have turned to interim manager Don Mattingly to stabilize the club. Mattingly has made a positive early impression, winning his first four games in charge before suffering his first loss. Despite that promising start, the organization has reportedly not viewed him as a long-term solution for the managerial role.
One key factor that could ultimately work in Philadelphia’s favor is the existing relationship between Cora and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. The two previously worked together during their time with the Red Sox, and Dombrowski has been open about his desire to reunite with Cora in Philadelphia.
On the field, the Phillies are still trying to salvage their 2026 campaign. A damaging 10-game losing streak under Thomson significantly hurt their position in the standings, and although Mattingly’s arrival provided a brief spark, consistency remains an issue. The team recently fell 4–0 to the Miami Marlins, bringing their record to 13–20.
With the Phillies already trailing the Atlanta Braves by a sizable margin in the National League East, expectations of a division title are beginning to fade. For now, the focus remains on improving their performance and staying competitive, while the front office continues to plan for a future that it hopes will eventually include Alex Cora at the helm.
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