Phillies keep Mattingly while offseason roster questions remain

Philadelphia has settled its manager question before addressing the roster that fell in the Wild Card round. Don Mattingly’s two-year deal keeps the interim manager who went 79-55, while president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski prepares to explain the club’s offseason plans.

The Phillies’ official announcement confirms the length of the deal. Mattingly became interim manager on April 28 when the club dismissed Rob Thomson, according to Todd Zolecki’s report for MLB.com.

Philadelphia went 79-55 under Mattingly and finished 88-74. The Phillies secured their Wild Card berth on the final day of the regular season, then lost their best-of-three opening series to Atlanta. The Braves won the decisive third game 6-2.

Mattingly helped rescue a season that began badly, but the club’s fifth consecutive playoff appearance ended in the opening round. The Phillies’ next attempt to turn that regular-season consistency into a championship will begin with the same manager.

Matt Snyder reported for CBS Sports on Wednesday that Mattingly’s familiarity with the roster was part of the continuity behind the decision. Zolecki reported that sources had pointed toward his return after Alex Cora told the Phillies he did not plan to manage in 2027.

The managerial appointment settles one part of the offseason. It leaves president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to address a roster whose depth and aging lineup remain concerns after the October exit. ESPN’s Wednesday report identifies right field and the bullpen among the areas facing questions for next season.

Dombrowski and Mattingly are scheduled to speak to reporters Thursday, according to ESPN.

Mattingly, 65, previously managed the Dodgers and Marlins. He joined Philadelphia as bench coach before taking the interim job this year.

Sources

MLB.com: Phillies bring back Mattingly · CBS Sports: Phillies retain Mattingly · ESPN: Mattingly two-year appointment