Alex Cora Will Not Manage Phillies in 2027
The former Red Sox manager confirmed he plans to sit out the upcoming 2027 Major League Baseball season.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Baseball
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Alex Cora informed Philadelphia Phillies president Dave Dombrowski that he will not pursue a managerial role in 2027. Cora remains under contract with the Boston Red Sox through the 2027 season at a $7.25 million salary.
Why it matters
Cora has previously cited a desire to spend time with his family in Puerto Rico as the primary reason for his hiatus. His decision is further bolstered by the fact that the Red Sox are still obligated to pay his full $7.25 million salary.
Alex Cora is guaranteed $7.25 million through 2027 despite being fired by Boston in April 2026. The Philadelphia Phillies, who secured a fifth consecutive playoff berth in 2026, are currently led by interim manager Don Mattingly on a two-year deal.
The players
Alex Cora
He is a former Major League Baseball manager who was fired by the Boston Red Sox in April 2026.
Dave Dombrowski
He serves as the president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Don Mattingly
He is the current interim manager for the Philadelphia Phillies and signed a two-year contract as the team's bench coach.
Chad Tracy
He was promoted to permanent manager of the Boston Red Sox in September 2026 on a three-year contract extension.
The details
After the Philadelphia Phillies fired Rob Thomson in 2026 and lost to Atlanta in the Wild Card Series, the team appointed Don Mattingly as interim manager. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox solidified their own leadership by promoting Chad Tracy to permanent manager on a three-year extension in September 2026.
Timeline
April 2026: Boston fired Alex Cora and Philadelphia fired Rob Thomson.
September 2026: Boston gave Chad Tracy a three-year contract extension.
2026: The Philadelphia Phillies secured their fifth straight playoff berth.
2027: Alex Cora intends to remain out of baseball.
Season Trajectory
The Phillies' inability to advance beyond the 2026 MLB Wild Card Series catalyzed a search for new leadership that now officially excludes Cora from the 2027 candidate pool. This leaves the club to navigate their upcoming season with Don Mattingly while other franchises solidify their own long-term coaching staffs.
The Phillies must continue their search for a permanent manager to replace the fired Rob Thomson, as Don Mattingly remains in the interim role. Fans can anticipate that the team will need to solidify its coaching hierarchy before the 2027 spring training period begins.
The takeaway
Cora's decision highlights how guaranteed salary structures in professional sports can grant veterans the flexibility to prioritize personal time over immediate employment. Other managers facing similar transitions may look to this as a template for evaluating their own career timelines.
Further reading
For more updates on coaching changes and roster moves, visit the Baseball section.
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