Alex Cora Declines Phillies Offer, Plans to Sit Out 2027 Season

Alex Cora, the World Series-winning manager of the Boston Red Sox, has informed the Philadelphia Phillies that he plans to sit out the 2027 season, confirming he will not be joining the team. This decision was reported by Jon Heyman of The Post. Cora's choice is primarily based on family reasons, as he has been enjoying time with them and is also preparing for his wedding in November. Bob Nightengale from USA Today first reported the news on Tuesday night. Earlier this week, Heyman noted that Cora, who is owed over $7 million by the Red Sox next year, was considering sitting out the 2027 season. This is not the first time Cora has declined an offer from the Phillies; after the team fired manager Rob Thomson due to a poor start, they reached out to Cora, who had recently been let go by the Red Sox. Cora previously worked with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski during their time together in Boston, where they won the World Series in 2018. In late April, Cora stated, "I accepted to be a full-time dad." Following Cora's decision, the Phillies appointed Don Mattingly as the interim manager. Mattingly led the team to a 79-55 record, allowing them to reach the postseason as the final National League wild-card team, although they were eliminated in three games by the Atlanta Braves. Despite initial reports suggesting Mattingly would be dismissed, Heyman indicated that he might return as the Phillies' manager. Cora concluded his tenure with the Red Sox with a record of 620-541 and made three playoff appearances. The Red Sox started the 2026 season with a 10-17 record before Cora and much of his coaching staff were dismissed. Chad Tracy took over as interim manager and was later promoted to a full-time position with a three-year contract. The Red Sox made the playoffs but were eliminated in the wild-card round by the Yankees.