Alex Cora Favored for Phillies Managerial Role as Mattingly Expected to Depart
The former Red Sox manager has a strong connection with Phillies leadership, positioning him as the leading candidate.
Alex Cora appears to be the frontrunner for the Philadelphia Phillies' next managerial position, with current interim manager Don Mattingly reportedly expected to step down.
While the Phillies have not officially begun their managerial search, Cora had been offered the job prior to the team's decision to promote Mattingly from bench coach. This creates an unusual scenario where the preferred candidate is already identified.
Mattingly took over a struggling team with a 9-19 record and engineered a significant turnaround, finishing the season with a 79-55 record. However, the Phillies' postseason run concluded in the wild-card round.
Cora has a well-established relationship with Phillies president Dave Dombrowski, stemming from their successful tenure together when they won the 2018 World Series with the Boston Red Sox. This existing rapport suggests a reunion would be mutually beneficial.