Alex Cora declined the Philadelphia Phillies' managerial proposal, citing a desire to spend time with his family. Phillies' boss Dave Dombrowski expressed strong interest in hiring Cora after his firing from the Boston Red Sox.
Key points
Alex Cora declined the Phillies' managerial offer.
Cora wants to focus on family time in Puerto Rico.
Dave Dombrowski expressed strong interest in hiring Cora.
Cora was recently fired by the Boston Red Sox.
He is under a three-year, $21.75 million contract.
Mentioned in this story
Philadelphia PhilliesBoston Red SoxAlex CoraDave Dombrowski
Philadelphia Phillies boss Dave Dombrowski wasnât evasive Tuesday, didnât try to be politically correct and didnât bother to soothe anyoneâs feelings.
He might have even begged Cora at times to be their manager, saying that not only is he one of the finest managers in the game, but a future Hall of Famer.
Dombrowski didnât even bother to wait 24 hours after Cora was fired by the Boston Red Sox on Saturday to offer him the Phillies managerial job with Rob Thomson still employed.
It wasnât until Monday morning that Cora, in the second year of a three-year, $21.75 million contract, told Dombrowski that he was sorry, but he was going home to Puerto Rico for the summer. He wanted to be a âfull-time dad" for his eight-year-old twin sons with a daughter in graduate school.
âI thought he might take it, but as time went on over the next day,ââ Dombrowski said after making the offer Sunday, âit was apparent from his perspective that he wanted to take time with his family."
Dombrowski, Phillies president of baseball operations, was disappointed, but certainly understood Coraâs reasoning. He then had to make a huge decision himself.
Should he stick with Thomson, or fire him anyway, and determine if thereâs anyone in the organization who could make a difference?
âThere's no question we have the talent," Dombrowski kept saying.
So, he telephoned Don Mattingly, their bench coach and the son of Phillies GM Preston Mattingly, and asked if heâd please take over the Phillies for the remainder of the season.
Phillies players during a pitching change in Atlanta.
Phillies players during a pitching change in Atlanta.
Q&A
Why did Alex Cora decline the Phillies managerial job?
Alex Cora declined the job to prioritize being a full-time dad for his children.
What was Dave Dombrowski's reaction to Cora's decline?
Dave Dombrowski was direct about his desire to hire Cora, indicating he views him as one of the best managers in baseball.
What is Alex Cora's current contract situation?
Alex Cora is in the second year of a three-year, $21.75 million contract.
What does the Phillies' need for a new manager indicate about the team?
The Phillies' need for a new manager suggests they are looking for a fresh perspective to improve their performance after a disappointing season.
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Mattingly, 65, who said in January that he didnât have the energy to manage again after stints with the Dodgers and Marlins, agreed at least ride out the rest of the season. The Mattinglys make history by becoming the first father and son to be a GM and manager for an MLB team.
Mattingly wonât be around long, just the rest of the summer, but Dombrowski still believes a change of voice is all thatâs needed to have this team playing deep into October.
âThis isnât a blame gameâŠ," Dombrowski said in his press conference. âI just donât think weâre playing up to our capabilities. I think weâre a much better club than we played. And so you make tough decisions that are tough at timesâŠ.
âFour years ago, he was the right voice for us with the club that we had. There was no question about it. I just think we needed a different voice with this group where we are now."
So, Thomson, who had the finest winning percentage in Philliesâ history, leading the Phillies to four consecutive postseason berths, is out the door.
Cora will be waiting at the door and most likely will be the Philliesâ top target after the season, barring Mets owner Steve Cohen from offering a contract so lucrative that he canât ignore.
And Mattingly is now inside the room, hoping to somehow make a difference with a team thatâs grossly underperforming.
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1 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
1 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026.
2 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026.
3 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7.
4 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.
5 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 13: The Pittsburgh Pirates' Spencer Horwitz celebrates a home run in the dugout while wearing a welder's hood during the 16-5 win over the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.
6 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 12: Philadelphia Phillies mascot, The Phanatic, entertains fans with local team mascots for a birthday celebration before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.
7 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
April 11: The Tampa Bay Rays' Jonathan Aranda (left) celebrates with Ryan Vilade after hitting a walk-off single against the New York Yankees in the 10th inning of a 5-4 win at Tropicana Field.
8 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the team's all-time leader in games played against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on April 6, 2026.
9 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A rainbow appears during the fourth inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 6, 2026.
10 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A fan dresses as the Pope claps during the first inning of the game between the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at Rate Field on April 5, 2026. The White Sox won the game, 3-0, to complete a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays.
11 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Konnor Griffin celebrates with a traffic cone after making his major-league debut in a 5-4 defeat of the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on April 3, 2026.
12 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
A young Red Sox fan meets Tessie the Boston Red Sox mascot before the Red Sox's home opener against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park on April 3, 2026.
13 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Cleveland Guardians players warm up as the launch of NASA's Artemis II is shown on the center-field video board at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2026.
14 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez (6) and center fielder Jakob Marsee celebrate a victory against the Chicago White Sox at loanDepot Park on April 1, 2026.
15 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Fans try to catch a solo home run hit by the San Francisco Giants' Matt Chapman as San Diego Padres left fielder Nick Castellanos looks on during the third inning at Petco Park on March 31, 2026.
16 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Philadelphia Phillies mascot The Phillie Phanatic entertains fans during the game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026.
17 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Toronto Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto gets doused with ice water by teammates after a win over the Athletics at Rogers Centre on March 29, 2026.
18 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The Cincinnati Reds' Eugenio SuĂĄrez blows a bubble as he waits to bat against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026.
19 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
The St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt is doused with water by teammates after hitting a walk-off two-run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 10th inning at Busch Stadium on March 28, 2026.
20 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Fans react as the Milwaukee Brewers' Jake Bauers homers against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field on March 26, 2026.
21 / 21
Ballpark vibes, big plays and wild celebrations during 2026 MLB season
Two F-35C planes from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Detachment Edwards Air Force Base perform a flyover before the Opening Day game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on March 26, 2026.
Why was Rob Thomson fired?
The Phillies, 9-19, off to their worst start since 1992, may learn quickly if this year is even salvageable. They already are 10 Âœ games behind Atlanta in the NL East, and seven games out in the NL wild-card race race. If theyâre going to make a move, the time is now.
The Phillies are facing four teams with losing records in their next five series with the Athletics (15-13) the only team with a winning record. The Phillies will face the Giants (13-15), Marins (13-16), Athletics, Rockies (13-16) and Red Sox (12-17) in their next 16 games. Those teams have a .462 winning percentage.
The upcoming weak schedule played a factor in Dombrowskiâs decision. He could have waited to see how theyâd perform in this stretch under Thomson, but decided he didnât want to take that risk. If he really had any confidence that their fate would change under Thomson, Dombrowski would have delayed a move.
He didnât want to take that chance.
âI felt that we needed a new voice in there," Dombrowski said, âa little different feeling in the clubhouse. At this point, Rob was the first to admit that he doesnât know whatâs really going on. Heâs a little bit surprised on how we performedâŠ
âI just thought this was the right time to get a different voice with some different direction. Donât been part of our staff here all along, so heâs got a pulse of his feelings and how we can perhaps improve a little bit here and a little bit there."
Well, to be honest, they need to improve a whole lot here, and a whole lot there.
This team, who has averaged 92 victories the past four seasons, has been dreadful. They have been outscored by an MLB-leading 54 runs. Their star-studded and expensive rotation is last in the league in ERA (5.80). They are winless (0-10) against left-handed starters. Their right-handed hitters have the lowest OPS (.505) against lefties than any team since 1920. And theyâve played lousy defense
So, the looming question now is just what kind of team would Cora be inheriting after the season?
Is it a team that needs to be completely overhauled? Or just one that needs tinkering?
Do they make some household changes and perhaps even contemplate the idea of trading Bryce Harper, who has a complete no-trade clause, or shortstop Trea Turner?
Or do they add onto the mix and pursue infielder Bo Bichette again after they thought he was coming their way last winter before pivoting to the Mets?
Can Phillies turn things around?
The truth is that the Phillies have an aging team, with four players 33 or older, and the window to win a World Series is closing quickly, but Dombrowski aggressively pushed back on the narrative they are too old.
âItâs not age that has caught up to us," Dombrowski said. âOur guys are not aged out by any means. Some of the guys who arenât even our more veteran guys arenât having a good start to the season. That would be an inappropriate statement to me. In fact, some of the [older] guys there are having better seasons than anybody.
âBut I do think weâre better than this."
When asked if there were any regrets the way he built the roster, or whether the Phillies should have made changes during the winter instead of bringing back the nucleus, Dombrowski pushed back again.
âI donât know anybody that would think we would not have a good starting pitching rotation," Dombrowski said. âTo me, it might be the best in baseball. Our bullpen is strong. We havenât scored runs. We havenât hit. I canât predict that some of these guys would have performed the way they have. But on roster construction, we donât have a gaping holeâŠ.
"So I donât have a regret. Now, if we play the game this way the rest of the year, Iâll have a lot of regrets."
Dombrowski, who wanted to make sure that his own evaluations werenât off-base, summoned his top three scouts to Atlanta over the weekend. He asked them to closely watch the team, talk to players, and make their own assessments. He said that unanimously, they all agreed that are simply underachieving and not a grossly flawed team.
âThis club has talent," Dombrowski said. âThereâs no question we have the talent. I donât want to say the most talented, but talented as most. We just have not played that wayâŠ
