Mets, Phillies, Astros linked to Alex Cora

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, the Boston Red Sox chose to part ways with manager Alex Cora early in the season.

Red Sox players expressed their frustration with the decision, and even though the start of the campaign was worrisome, Cora had earned the benefit of the doubt in Boston.

Given his resume, it shouldn't be long before he's back in a clubhouse.

Considering that, USA Today insider Bob Nightengale pointed to the Houston Astros, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies as the teams more likely to pursue him.

Multiple teams may want to hire Alex Cora

"While Alex Cora will be the hottest free-agent commodity this winter, the Phillies are confident that he will be managing their team in 2027," Nightengale wrote. "Cora also is expected to be wooed by the Houston Astros and New York Mets."

Of course, his ties to the Phillies are pretty evident. They just fired Rob Thomson, and Cora has a close relationship with Dave Dombrowski, their president of baseball operations.

Cora and Dombrowski led the Red Sox to a World Series win in 2018, and given the Phillies' surplus of talent and hefty payroll, he would be a no-brainer candidate to take the reins. However, the Phillies have gone 7-1 under interim manager Don Mattingly after starting 9-19 under Thomson, so maybe an opening in Philadelphia isn't a sure thing.

As for the Mets, they've doubled down on their commitment to Carlos Mendoza, but that might change if they don't make the playoffs.

Last but not least, the Astros still have to make a decision about Joe Espada, and they may cut him some slack after losing Carlos Correa for the season.

Whatever the case, Cora will most definitely have plenty of options to choose from.