The 2026 season was a big one for firing managers. The Boston Red Sox started the trend by dismissing Alex Cora, then the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets followed, firing their skippers.
The Phillies have tried to rope Cora back into action with two managerial job offers from Dave Dombrowski. Cora has declined them to remain off-duty with his family for one more year (he's still being paid by the Red Sox until after the 2027 season).
Cora has maintained a relatively low profile since his departure from the Red Sox organization, but he appeared on the October 26 episode of the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast to discuss his firing and some aspects of his personal life. When podcast host Rob Bradford asked Cora if he'll return to managing, his answer was surprising.
"I'm not 100 percent sure I want to do it," Cora said. "I love baseball, I really do. I love my boys but I love coaching other kids."
Former Red Sox skipper Alex Cora casts doubt on his return to managing in latest interview
Cora has been determined to spend more time with his family since his firing from the Red Sox and it sounds like they might keep him out of baseball entirely. This could be good news for Sox fans, since MLB insider Jon Heyman predicted that the New York Yankees might be able to hire Cora back into the dugout (subscription required).
Yankees fans have long wished to see Aaron Boone's last day as manager in New York. After their second-straight ALDS loss, many hoped the front office would finally pull the trigger and fire Boone. But Yankees fans have had no such luck — the organization has confirmed it'll bring him back in 2027.
Next season will be the last of Boone's current contract with the Yankees, and given the criticism they've taken for keeping him around, it's hard to imagine they'll extend him. Heyman suggested that New York could be waiting Boone out to sign Cora when he eventually returns to managing, but Cora's October 26 interview cast some doubt on that return.
No matter how his relationship with the Red Sox ended, Cora is one of the most respected managers in baseball. Players and front offices around the league admire him and his relationships with the players on the teams he manages. Cora managing the Yankees would make them better, which is the last thing Boston needs.
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