Why Alex Cora rejected Phillies' manager offer after Rob Thomson's firing

Why Alex Cora rejected Phillies' manager offer after Rob Thomson's firing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies made a massive decision on Tuesday, firing Rob Thomson from his manager role after a few successful seasons with the team.

The lack of postseason success and 9-19 start to the 2026 season had the Phillies ready to end their partnership with the baseball lifter. Don Mattingly is taking over as interim manager, but the Phillies had a different plan in mind initially.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, recently fired Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was offered the Phillies managerial job by Dave Dombrowski and company, but Cora rejected the offer for one reason.

Why Alex Cora rejected Phillies manager job

"Alex Cora was offered the Philadelphia Phillies' managerial job before Don Mattingly, but declined," Nightengale reports. "He has decided to spend time with his family."

With Thomson out the door, the Phillies seemingly first turned to Cora to be their new manager. Just a few days ago, he was fired by the Red Sox after their own poor start to the year.

But instead of reuniting with Dombrowski in Philadelphia, Cora has decided to stay away from baseball for the time being and stick with his family.

Cora, the former World Series champion and eight-year manager of the Red Sox, would've been an intriguing hire for the Phillies.

MORE: Red Sox never close on Astros’ Isaac Paredes trade

Don Mattingly, a former player, coach who made the World Series last year and manager, is now taking over in Philadelphia.