The Philadelphia Phillies have suffered another major setback in their search for a manager for the 2027 season. Former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has told Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski that he will not manage Philadelphia next season and instead plans to take the entire 2027 season off. The decision was reported by USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale and subsequently confirmed by multiple outlets, ending months of speculation that Cora could eventually reunite with Dombrowski in Philadelphia.
The development is particularly significant because Cora had been viewed as one of the strongest candidates to replace Don Mattingly, who took over as Philadelphia’s interim manager after Dombrowski dismissed Rob Thomson in April. Cora was actually Dombrowski’s first choice when the Phillies made that managerial change. However, Cora declined at the time because he wanted to prioritize his family rather than immediately return to the dugout following his unexpected departure from Boston.
Cora Turns Down Philadelphia for a Second Time
Cora’s latest decision is more definitive than the one he made in April.
When Boston fired him on April 25 following a disappointing 10-17 start, Cora quickly became one of the most attractive managerial candidates available. Dombrowski, who had worked with Cora in Boston, reached out almost immediately and offered him the Phillies’ managerial position.
Cora ultimately said no, choosing to spend time with his family instead. At that point, however, there was still a possibility that he could reconsider the Phillies job for 2027.
That possibility became one of the biggest managerial storylines surrounding Philadelphia throughout the season. Reports later suggested that Cora could become the Phillies’ manager if Mattingly failed to lead the team deep into the postseason.
Now that possibility has disappeared. Dombrowski spoke with Cora again about taking the job, but Cora informed him that he intends to sit out the 2027 season altogether.
Why Cora Was Such an Attractive Candidate
Cora’s connection to Dombrowski made him an especially logical candidate for Philadelphia.
The two worked together with the Red Sox in 2018, when Boston produced one of the greatest seasons in franchise history. Cora’s first season as Boston’s manager ended with a World Series championship, while Dombrowski was the organization’s president of baseball operations.
Cora eventually managed Boston from 2018-19 and again from 2021 through 2026. He compiled a 620-541 regular-season record with the Red Sox and became widely regarded as one of the more respected strategic managers in baseball.
Dombrowski has also spoken extremely highly of Cora. When the Phillies initially pursued him in April, Dombrowski described him as one of the finest managers in baseball and suggested that Cora had the potential to be remembered alongside Hall of Fame managers.
That history made Cora appear to be an obvious fit if Philadelphia decided to move on from Mattingly.
Cora’s Decision Creates Another Phillies Problem
The timing of Cora’s decision leaves Philadelphia with a difficult managerial situation.
Mattingly took over after the Phillies opened the season 9-19, eventually helping the team stabilize and reach the postseason. Under Mattingly, Philadelphia went 79-55 and secured a National League Wild Card berth. The Phillies ultimately lost their Wild Card Series to the Atlanta Braves, ending their season earlier than expected.
Despite the playoff disappointment, Mattingly received considerable support from players.
Aaron Nola, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto all spoke positively about the job Mattingly did after replacing Thomson. Realmuto was particularly emphatic when asked whether Mattingly deserved another opportunity, essentially arguing that the decision should be obvious because the players respected him and played well for him.
That could become important now.
Mattingly remains under contract with the Phillies for 2027 as a bench coach, meaning Philadelphia has a relatively straightforward internal option if the organization decides not to conduct another extensive managerial search. But whether Dombrowski wants to remove the interim label and officially install him remains unresolved.
The Phillies Thought Cora Could Be the Long-Term Answer
Earlier reports had made Cora appear to be the favorite for the Philadelphia position.
In August, USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported that Cora was expected to become the Phillies’ manager unless Mattingly could lead the team to a World Series appearance or championship. That report reflected the widespread belief that Dombrowski had a strong preference for Cora.
Cora’s decision now completely changes that equation.
Philadelphia must either embrace Mattingly as the permanent manager or search for another candidate from outside the organization. The club can no longer wait for Cora to become available.
That is an important development because the Phillies are entering an offseason in which they already face significant questions about the roster, coaching staff and direction of the organization following an early playoff exit.
Boston Still Owes Cora Significant Money
There is also an interesting financial element to Cora’s decision.
Cora remains under contract with Boston and is owed approximately $7.25 million for the 2027 season, the final year of his three-year, $21.75 million deal. Because he is choosing not to manage another team, the Red Sox remain responsible for that salary obligation.
Had Cora accepted another managerial job, Boston’s financial obligation could have been reduced depending on the salary he received from his new club.
That gives Cora an unusual level of financial flexibility. He can step away from baseball for an entire season while still collecting the money owed to him under his Boston contract.
What This Means for Don Mattingly
Cora’s decision could ultimately strengthen Mattingly’s case to remain in Philadelphia.
Mattingly’s initial assignment was simply to stabilize a team that had collapsed early in the season. Instead, he guided the Phillies to a strong turnaround and a postseason berth.
MLB noted that Philadelphia had the fourth-best record in baseball under Mattingly after he replaced Thomson. The team overcame significant problems with its offense and bullpen to reach the postseason.
The playoff exit obviously works against him, but the players’ support and his overall regular-season record give Dombrowski plenty to consider.
There is also a practical advantage: Mattingly already knows the clubhouse, the roster and the organization. Philadelphia would not have to introduce an entirely new manager during an offseason when other changes may already be coming.
Cora’s 2027 Absence Could Be Temporary
Cora’s decision does not necessarily mean his managerial career is over.
He is only 50 years old and remains one of the most accomplished managers available whenever he eventually decides to return. His 2018 World Series championship, extensive experience and relationship with players and front-office executives should ensure that he remains highly sought after.
The Phillies could potentially revisit the possibility of hiring him in the future, but for now, Philadelphia must move forward without him.
For Boston, meanwhile, Cora’s decision means the club remains responsible for the final portion of his contract without receiving any offset from another team hiring him. The Red Sox moved forward with Chad Tracy after firing Cora, eventually giving Tracy the permanent managerial job.
The Bigger Picture for Philadelphia
The Phillies’ pursuit of Cora illustrates how dramatically their managerial situation has changed in less than six months.
Dombrowski initially wanted Cora after dismissing Thomson. Cora declined. Mattingly then took over and helped Philadelphia reach the playoffs. After the season, speculation again pointed toward Cora becoming the permanent manager.
Now Cora has declined for a second time.
That leaves Dombrowski with a decision that could shape the Phillies’ direction heading into 2027: trust the manager who helped rescue the season, or begin another search for a new voice.
With Cora officially out of the picture, Mattingly may suddenly have a much stronger chance of remaining in Philadelphia — even though that decision appeared far less certain immediately after the Phillies’ postseason elimination.
Bottom line: Alex Cora will not be the Phillies’ next manager in 2027. After turning Philadelphia down in April, he has now declined the opportunity again and plans to spend the entire 2027 season away from managing. The decision forces Dombrowski and the Phillies to reassess their plans, with Don Mattingly now emerging as one of the most logical options for the job.
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