Alex Cora Declines Phillies Managerial Role, Opts for 2027 Hiatus

Alex Cora, the manager who led the Boston Red Sox to a World Series championship, has informed the Philadelphia Phillies that he will not accept their managerial offer and plans to sit out the 2027 Major League Baseball season. This marks the second time this year Cora has declined an offer from the Phillies.

Sources indicate Cora's decision is primarily driven by family reasons, as he wishes to spend more time with his family and is also preparing for a November wedding. This personal focus has led him to step away from managing for the upcoming season.

This is not the first time Cora has been in discussions with the Phillies this year. After the team fired Rob Thomson early in the season, Philadelphia reached out to Cora, who had recently been let go by the Red Sox. Cora and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had previously worked together during Boston's 2018 World Series victory.

In late April, Cora told The Post, "I accepted to be a full-time dad," explaining his reluctance to manage again that season. Following Cora's earlier decision to not manage in 2026, the Phillies appointed Don Mattingly as interim manager. Mattingly guided the team to a 79-55 record, securing a Wild Card spot in the National League, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Atlanta Braves.

While there were reports suggesting Mattingly would not return, recent information indicates he might remain with the Phillies.

Cora compiled a 620-541 record during his tenure with the Red Sox, leading the team to the playoffs three times. The Red Sox's 2026 season began with a 10-17 record, leading to Cora and several coaching staff members being dismissed. Chad Tracy then took over as interim manager, eventually being promoted to full-time skipper with a three-year contract. Despite the team's turnaround under Tracy, they were swept in the wild-card round by the New York Yankees.