Overview
- Philadelphia fired Rob Thomson on Tuesday, installed Don Mattingly as interim manager for the rest of 2026, then offered the job to Alex Cora, who declined.
- Reports on Sunday said the Phillies are confident Cora will take over in 2027, framing him as the leading target once he returns to managing.
- Team president Dave Dombrowski said he discussed the job with Cora and that Cora chose to spend this season with family, while praising him as one of the game’s top managers.
- The Astros and Mets are expected to pursue Cora this winter, according to multiple reports, creating competition for his next landing spot.
- Mattingly opened 4-0 before his first loss and is seen as a short-term steward, with an unusual father–son dynamic in place as his son Preston serves as the Phillies’ general manager.