Photo via MLB.com

Cora reportedly rebuffs Phillies' overtures to be next manager

The Philadelphia Phillies' managerial search for the 2027 season has hit another snag after Alex Cora reportedly turned down a second opportunity to lead the team. Cora, who previously declined the job in April following the firing of Rob Thomson, has once again rejected president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski’s offer, according to reports.

The Phillies had been eyeing Cora for months, with Dombrowski even promoting Don Mattingly from bench coach to interim manager after Cora’s initial refusal in late April. Under Mattingly’s guidance, the Phillies improved significantly, finishing with the fourth-best record in baseball from April 28 onward despite struggles with offense and bullpen performance (ranking 19th in runs and 21st in ERA, respectively).

With Cora now out of the picture, the Phillies may accelerate their search for a permanent manager, potentially removing Mattingly’s interim tag sooner than expected. Mattingly, who expressed interest in returning as manager in 2027, had been linked to a potential mutual parting of ways amid speculation that Dombrowski was still pursuing Cora.

The team’s late-season turnaround—despite defensive and pitching challenges—could now shift the focus toward a full-time replacement rather than extending Mattingly’s temporary role.

Up nextMLB· 57m ago

Freddie Freeman on his approach to hitting Chris Sale: 'You've got to be prepared to die'