The Philadelphia Phillies fired Rob Thomson this season, and Alex Cora was reportedly their first choice to replace him.
Cora reportedly turned down the Phillies' offer to manage their team in the middle of the season, and according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, he has once again turned down a proposition to manage the Phillies.
"Dave Dombrowski, Phillies president of baseball operations, spoke with Cora about becoming their manager in 2027, but Cora informed Dombrowski he’s taking the season off, a high-ranking Phillies executive with direct knowledge of their talks told USA TODAY Sports," Nightengale wrote on Tuesday.
The former Boston Red Sox manager was seen as the top candidate for many managerial openings this offseason, but it seems like he is making himself unavailable. However, he should have no trouble landing a new gig whenever he does decide to manage again.
With Cora off the board, the Phillies will have to look elsewhere for their new manager, but they shouldn't have to look for too long. They have the perfect candidate already in the building in Don Mattingly.
Mattingly saved the Phillies' season, aided by his players actually living up to expectations. However, the Phillies would be foolish to let Mattingly go now. The team went 79-55 with him at the helm, although they only won one postseason game.
Mattingly noted after the season that he enjoyed managing in Philadelphia, and should he be offered the job, it's hard to imagine him turning it down. He is a seasoned manager who already has the respect of the Phillies veteran clubhouse.