Just days after being fired by the Boston Red Sox, Alex Cora was reportedly offered a chance to take over as the Philadelphia Phillies. It looks like he'll have even more job offers this winter.
USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend that in addition to the Phillies, Cora is "expected to be wooed" by both the Houston Astros and New York Mets.
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Cora turned down the opportunity with Philadelphia in April and opted to forgo the remainder of the 2026 MLB season to spend time with his family. However, he is widely expected to return to the dugout in 2027.
While the Astros (Joe Espada) and Mets (Carlos Mendoza) have publicly stuck to their managers, change is expected. Espada is in danger of being fired during the season and Mendoza's future in New York is tenuous.
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Cora, age 50, is a three-time World Series champion who has played a role in title wins as both a manager and bench coach. He is well-liked by the players and appears to be an ideal fit for an older team with experienced players looking to win a championship.
Why are the Phillies favored to hire Alex Cora?
While Mets owner Steve Cohen could offer Cora a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid managers in MLB next season, Philadelphia may be in a better position to give him the job.
Given Cora's experience in Boston, where chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had extensive influence over the organization, his relationship with his next boss will be important. In Philadelphia, he will have the opportunity to reunite with Dave Dombrowski.
It is worth noting that Cora had worked in the Astros organization for some time, but that was only for the 2017 season as a bench coach. Most of his experience came in Boston, many of which were years when Dombrowski worked in the Red Sox front office.
As Phillies manager, Cora would have the support of a president of baseball operations he trusts and ownership that is willing to spend on a winner. Ultimately, it would be surprising if Cora is not hired by Philadelphia this winter.
