Alex Cora Turns Down MLB Job Days After Being Fired By Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox surprised many by firing veteran manager Alex Cora on Saturday after the team's rough start to the 2026 season.

Cora led the Red Sox to a World Series title in his first season in Boston, but the sluggish start this year was ultimately too much for the front office to deal with, and they decided to move on.

Cora's sudden firing has raised plenty of questions, especially in the Boston clubhouse, with shortstop Trevor Story even questioning the direction of the franchise.

"I mean obviously, it's kind of up in the air what the true direction of the franchise is," Story said. "Some of the best coaches in the world didn't get a fair shot."

On Tuesday, another MLB job opened up when the Philadelphia Phillies fired Rob Thomson amid a slow start for the reigning National League East winners.

The Phillies named Don Mattingly as the interim, but as it turns out, they tried to bring on Cora, according to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

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

ESPN's Buster Olney added that Philadelphia did "background work" on Cora.

"As part of the Phillies' process, they have done their background work on Alex Cora and his availability to manage -- but now is not the right time, fresh off his firing by the Red Sox," Olney wrote.

For now, at least, Cora won't be managing and plans on spending time with his family.

Cora Will Be Big Name on the Market

Right now, it doesn't seem like Cora is looking for another job, at least based on the reporting given the situation with the Phillies.

However, by season's end, that might change, and if it does, Cora will be one of the biggest names on the market.

Cora is in the second season of a three-year, $21.75 million contract, so he is still getting paid after being fired by Boston, and he told USA Today he is planning on being a "full-time dad," at least for now.

Whether or not that changes going forward remains to be seen, but whenever another job opens up, Cora will likely be a leading candidate.

Related: Red Sox Management Sends Strong Message After Alex Cora Firing

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 9:28 AM.