Alex Cora is expected to become the Philadelphia Phillies’ next manager after the 2026 season, according to a report from ’s Bob Nightengale.
The key condition attached to the report is straightforward: that move would not be expected to happen if Don Mattingly leads the Phillies to the World Series or wins a championship. If that happens, the club’s managerial outlook could change again.
Why the report matters
The possible move would bring Cora back into a conversation with Dave Dombrowski, who previously hired him as Boston’s manager after the 2017 season. That pairing worked immediately. In 2018, the Red Sox went 108-54 and won the World Series under Cora.
Cora’s Boston run later took a different turn. Before the 2020 season, he and the organization mutually parted ways because of his involvement in Houston’s sign-stealing scandal. After the punishment ended, the Red Sox rehired him, and Cora later guided Boston to another postseason appearance in 2025.
What comes next
The Phillies’ interest comes after a separate managerial change in Philadelphia. In April, the club dismissed Rob Thomson and elevated Don Mattingly from bench coach to interim manager. That creates an important backdrop for any longer-term decision, especially with a contender trying to map out its next chapter.
For now, the report points to a familiar theme in MLB: one manager’s future can depend on October results. If Philadelphia falls short, Cora could be the next name to watch.
