Alex Cora is out of the Phillies’ managerial picture for 2027, but Philadelphia still hasn’t made Don Mattingly’s interim job permanent. That leaves a consequential choice hanging over president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski: elevate the manager who steadied the club, or reopen the search.
USA TODAY reported that Cora told Dombrowski he plans to sit out next season, despite the Phillies’ interest in a reunion. MLB.com separately confirmed Cora’s decision with league sources and reported that Mattingly’s return now looks like a sensible path—but stressed that no decision or announcement has been made. Other coverage of the search says the Phillies’ options remain open.
Mattingly has a case. Philadelphia was 9-19 when he took over for Rob Thomson on April 28, then posted one of baseball’s best records for the rest of the regular season and reached the playoffs. The counterweight: an early postseason exit, plus reports that the Phillies had considered moving on from him before Cora declined.
There’s also a practical clock. Mattingly is under contract with Philadelphia through 2027 as bench coach, not as manager, and MLB.com has noted the Dec. 1 labor deadline could make a drawn-out search awkward: a new manager might be unable to speak with players during a lockout. For now, Cora’s refusal changes the menu, not the outcome. The Phillies haven’t publicly named their next manager, and Mattingly’s status remains unsettled.