Two weeks after getting eliminated in the NLDS, the Philadelphia Phillies have reached a decision on Don Mattingly.
The Phillies announced on Wednesday that they are bringing back Mattingly, who was the team’s interim manager for most of the season after Rob Thomson was fired in April. Mattingly received a two-year contract that runs through the 2028 season.
This news is somewhat surprising given Philadelphia’s disappointing playoff exit and poor performance down the stretch. The Phillies pursued former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who said he doesn’t plan to manage in 2027.
Mattingly, 65, helped turn Philadelphia’s season around after replacing Thomson in late April, leading the Phillies to a 79-55 record under his watch and a postseason berth. They sputtered in September and October, however, resulting in another early playoff exit.
Phillies Announce Surprising Don Mattingly Decision
Mattingly has 13 seasons of MLB managing experience after previously helming the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. His career winning percentage is .551 in the regular season, but similar to Aaron Boone, he’s never led his team to a championship.
Given Philadelphia’s aging core and challenging division, he’ll be hard-pressed to win a title there without serious reinforcements from the front office.
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