The Boston Red Sox made one of the earliest major managerial changes in Major League Baseball this season by firing manager Alex Cora after a disappointing 10-17 start. Even though Boston had just defeated the Baltimore Orioles 17-1, the front office decided it was time for a significant shift. Along with Cora, several coaches were also dismissed as the club sought to reset its season.
Speculation Surrounds Cora's Next Move
Attention has quickly turned to the Philadelphia Phillies. USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale believes Cora may not remain unemployed for long and suggests Philadelphia could be a potential destination. The Phillies are also struggling badly and recently ended a 10-game losing streak with an 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves. That victory has increased pressure on manager Rob Thomson and opened the door for fresh rumors.
Reuters confirmed Boston's decision and reported that Triple-A manager Chad Tracy has been appointed as the Red Sox's interim manager.
Connection Between Cora and Phillies
Nightengale explained in his column that the link between Cora and Philadelphia is not coincidental. He highlighted Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who worked closely with Cora during their time together in Boston. Nightengale wrote, "If Cora had not signed his three-year, $21.75 million contract extension last summer, Cora likely would have been managing the Phillies at the start of this season." That comment quickly fueled speculation among fans about a possible move.
ESPN insider Buster Olney also shared a similar viewpoint on the Baseball Tonight podcast, suggesting the Phillies should at least consider bringing in Cora if their struggles persist.
Current State of the Phillies
Philadelphia entered the weekend mired in a difficult stretch, with losses piling up and frustration growing. Even after beating Atlanta, questions surrounding Rob Thomson have not fully dissipated. The Phillies are at the bottom of their division, and the pressure is mounting with each game.
Nightengale added, "Now that Cora, 50, is available, the Phillies must quickly decide whether they want to remain patient with Thomson, wait until the end of the season to determine whether they want to pivot to Cora, or do they make a move now." For now, nothing is official. Rob Thomson remains the Phillies manager, and Cora has only just departed Boston. However, in baseball, circumstances can change rapidly. With both teams sitting last in their divisions, this story may only be beginning.
