Phillies Manager Search: 3 Potential Candidates as Alex Cora Turns Down Job

Right after the Philadelphia Phillies season came to a close, a report from Bob Nightengale said the team was not going to bring back interim manager Don Mattingly.

Nightengale reported that the Phillies will soon announce they are moving on from Mattingly and will offer him a role in the organization in an advisory role.

However, they might have to pivot back to Mattingly, who went 79-55 in his time in Philadelphia.

The Managerial Standoff: Cora Turns Down Philly Again

According to Nightingale, the team spoke to former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, offering him the job, but he declined, saying he was taking the 2027 season off. Per Nightingale, the Phillies have not decided who will manage their team in 2027.

When the Phillies fired Rob Thomson back in May, Phillies team President Dave Dombrowski acknowledged that he offered the job to Cora to manage the Phillies, and he declined.

Apparently, he has declined again.

So who will the Phillies turn to?

Mattingly likely isn't the choice to return, even though he is under contract for another season.

The team will likely look outside the organization to find someone to light a fire under a core group that will be very difficult to change up in 2027.

Why an External Hire is Necessary for Philadelphia

The team is littered with bloated contracts: Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Aaron Nola all have either no-trade clauses or 10-and-5 rights, meaning they can veto and trade.

3 External Managerial Candidates for the Phillies

1. Rocco Baldelli: The Analytics-Driven Veteran

Rocco Baldelli, who led the Twins to a 527-505 record, three AL Central titles, and three playoff appearances during his time in Minnesota, though the Twins missed the playoffs in four of his last five seasons.

2. Raúl Ibañez: Player Development Focus

Raúl Ibañez, spent the 2009-2011 seasons in Philadelphia and has been a popular name, currently serving as vice president of baseball development and special projects for the Dodgers. He would be a first-time manager if he were hired by the Phillies.

3. Dave Martinez: The Championship Leader with Clubhouse Ties

Dave Martinez, who won a World Series with the Nationals in 2019, where Trea Turner was a key player. He also managed current Phillies Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber.  He went 500–622 before being fired in Washington on July 6, 2025, after eight seasons with the Nationals.

Who do you want to see the Phillies hire as their next manager?  Let us know in the comments on social media!