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Phillies Name Don Mattingly Full-Time Manager
By Luke Arcaini
Published:
Don Mattingly has signed a two-year deal with the Phillies to return as full-time manager in 2027 and 2028. It was reported first by Matt Gelb at The Athletic and made official shortly after 10 a.m. –
Mattingly, 65, lead the Phillies to a 79-55 turnaround after starting the 2026 season 9-19 under Rob Thomson. He was named the interim manager just 28 games into the Phillies’ season, and was part of the reason for a big mid-season turnaround, but also the man in charge during a historic September fall.
Mattingly was already under contract with the Phillies in 2027 as bench coach, but will now take over full-time manager duties under contract through the next two seasons. A weak outside manager class, mixed with the impending lockout at the beginning of December, both could’ve played a factor in this decision.
Mattingly had his moments during his 137 games, but there were also points of concern. He was certainly not perfect with handling the bullpen. There were a handful of moments that players were unhappy with, like Zack Wheeler being pulled early from a start and having nothing to say after the game about it.
Going into this offseason, I thought the Phillies needed major change. While there weren’t many encouraging managerial choices, it just feels like this clubhouse needs a new voice. Maybe Mattingly returns with even more of an edge now that he’s the full-time manager. I think Mattingly realizes that the players need to be put into their place about their continuous shortcomings in October.
I’m curious how Mattingly feels through all of this. He was Dombrowski’s 2nd option back in April. He was Dombrowski’s 2nd option a week and a half ago. Alex Cora, it was reported, won’t manage at all in 2027. Now, Mattingly returns as the full-time manager in 2027.
Both Mattingly and Dave Dombrowski are set to meet with the media on Thursday, October 15th.
Luke Arcaini has been writing about the Phillies for 6 seasons, and is now in his 2nd year covering for Phillies down at Citizens Bank Park for Crossing Broad. Follow him on Twitter @ArcainiLuke