Phillies manager candidates: Six names to consider, from Don Mattingly to Albert Pujols

Key Points:

• Former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has withdrawn from consideration for the Philadelphia Phillies managerial position and will take the 2024 season off to spend time with his family, despite having a contract with the Red Sox through next year.
• Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski, who previously hired Cora in Boston, confirmed he reached out to Cora in April after firing Rob Thomson, but Cora declined both then and now, leaving the Phillies to decide between interim manager Don Mattingly or external candidates.
• Don Mattingly, who led the Phillies to a 79-55 record and a wild-card berth as interim manager, is considered a strong candidate for the permanent job due to existing player relationships and the challenges posed by a likely MLB lockout and shortened spring training.
• Other managerial candidates include former managers Rocco Baldelli and David Ross, as well as rising coaches Rodney Linares and George Lombard Sr., each bringing varying experience in player development, communication, and leadership.
• Carlos Beltrán, previously hired and then resigned as Mets manager due to the Astros sign-stealing scandal, remains a potential candidate for the Phillies managerial role, with his front-office experience and reputation as a manager-in-waiting.