On Saturday evening, the Boston Red Sox made the decision to fire manager Alex Cora, who was in his eighth season with the franchise and in the second year of a three-year extension worth just over $21 million.
As a result, and assuming Cora does not accept another managerial position in MLB, Boston would remain on the hook for roughly $10 million-plus over the next year and a half.
However, Cora’s name has already surfaced in early managerial speculation. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Cora was reportedly offered the managerial job by the Philadelphia Phillies following their decision to move on from Rob Thomson.
Cora ultimately declined the opportunity, with reports indicating he preferred to spend more time with his family at this stage. The decision leaves the Phillies to move forward with Don Mattingly as interim manager.
“Alex Cora was offered the Philadelphia Phillies’ managerial job before Don Mattingly, but declined,” Nightengale reported. “He has decided to spend time with his family.”
This decision likely means Alex Cora will take the remainder of the season off while continuing to receive a paycheck from the Boston Red Sox organization.
He could still emerge as a candidate if managerial openings arise later this season or during the offseason, and whether he chooses to return next year remains unclear. However, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Cora is widely regarded as one of the more respected managers in the sport.