Four managerial fits for MLB teams that could make a change

Some MLB teams have already changed managers during the 2026 season, while others could reconsider their dugout leadership once the year ends. With the offseason approaching, several recognizable names could make sense for a few clubs looking for a different direction.

Here are four potential managerial fits to watch.

Boston Red Sox: Chad Tracy

The Red Sox already made their managerial change this season, firing Alex Cora in April and replacing him with Chad Tracy on an interim basis. That makes Tracy an obvious fit if Boston decides it does not need another change.

Tracy had spent the previous four seasons managing Triple-A Worcester, accumulating 309 victories through the end of the 2025 season. He also had extensive experience managing in the Angels' minor league system before joining the Red Sox organization.

Tracy has relationships with many of Boston's younger players and has done well since taking over in April, with the Red Sox on the verge of making the playoffs. 

New York Mets: Carlos Beltran 

Carlos Mendoza was dismissed in June, with Andy Green taking over on an interim basis. Beltran's name has subsequently surfaced as one of the possibilities for the job, despite his unusual history with the franchise.

Beltran was originally hired as Mets manager before the 2020 season but never managed a game. The club and Beltran parted ways after his involvement in MLB's investigation into the Astros' sign-stealing scandal. He eventually returned to New York in a front-office role and spent time as a special assistant to the Mets' president of baseball operations.

Beltran has played at the highest level and already understands the pressures associated with the Mets. The biggest question would be whether both sides are comfortable revisiting a managerial relationship that never actually got started.

Los Angeles Angels: Albert Pujols

The Angels previously considered him for their managerial opening before hiring Kurt Suzuki for the 2026 season. Pujols had already been working as a special assistant to former general manager Perry Minasian and has expressed interest in eventually becoming a major league manager.

Pujols also has actual managerial experience. He has managed Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Republic and led the club to the Dominican League championship and Caribbean Series title during the 2024-25 season.

There would still be a significant adjustment from managing in the Dominican Republic to running an MLB clubhouse, but Pujols has already shown that he wants to pursue the opportunity.

Philadelphia Phillies: Alex Cora

Cora might be the most obvious reunion on this list. The Phillies actually tried to hire Cora in April after firing Rob Thomson. Dave Dombrowski, who worked with Cora in Boston, offered him the position, but Cora declined because he wanted to spend time with his family.

That did not necessarily close the door permanently. The Phillies ultimately turned to Don Mattingly on an interim basis after Thomson's dismissal. Whether Mattingly remains in the job will depend on how Philadelphia finishes the season, but Cora remains an intriguing possibility if the organization decides to go in another direction.

For a team with a veteran roster and World Series aspirations, Cora would bring a familiar combination of experience and postseason success.