Alex Cora is rumored to be off the market.

The most coveted managerial candidate in baseball, multiple outlets are reporting that the Astros' bench will soon be named the next manager of the Boston Red Sox, following the conclusion of the American League Championship Series. MLB's official Spanish website, LosMayores.com, is one of those outlets.

A source close to Cora told NJ Advance Media that the former infielder did inform the team that he received a call from the owners of the Red Sox on Wednesday, but that he is still very much focused on the Astros.

The Astros are currently down 3-2 to the Yankees and will play Game 6 on Friday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

Cora interviewed with the Mets on Tuesday, but he wasn't believed to be a favorite. Although the Mets have been conducting this search in relative secrecy with team officials being unable to confirm interviews or comment, a few details have leaked out, like the fact that hitting coach Kevin Long was higher on the list than Cora.

It's unclear what exactly the Mets are looking for, since general manager Sandy Alderson really only said "leadership" when asked following the final game of the regular season. But based on the managers of interest, it seems they're seeking a young, analytical mind, much like Cora seems to possess, so it's even more unclear the former Mets' utility infielder wasn't a favorite to begin with.

Cora's current team has been raving about their first-year bench coach all week, with the clubhouse praising his ability to communicate with players young and old and the manager, A.J. Hinch, lauding his ability to process analytical information, as well as his willingness to learn more and seek out competitive advantages every day.

"He challenges people. He challenges me. He's someone who's all about winning," Hinch said earlier this week at Yankee Stadium. "And I think to watch our players respond to him, he's got a lot of respect in that clubhouse because of the work he puts in and the attention to detail that he brings. That's why he's the hottest managerial candidate on the planet and deservedly so."

The rest of the candidates rumored to be lined up for the week include former Mets third baseman and a close friend of David Wright, Joe McEwing, as well as Cleveland Indians' pitching coach Mickey Callaway and Seattle Mariners third base coach Manny Acta.

Brad Ausmus didn't want the job and Robin Ventura doesn't want any manager job, but you can't help but wonder if the lack of big names in the mix speaks to the Mets' current reputation. The farm system is decimated, the roster has all sorts of holes and the club seems to be resistant to spending money next season.

The Mets missed out on one of the top candidates available, but at least we now know the search has been narrowed down.

Abbey Mastracco may be reached at amastracco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @abbeymastracco. Find NJ.com on Facebook.