Overview
- The Phillies are removing Don Mattingly’s interim tag and have given him a multi‑year pact that covers the 2027 season, with the club set to formalize the move this week and hold media availability.
- Mattingly took over after Rob Thomson’s April firing and went 79‑55 in the regular season, a run that carried Philadelphia into the Wild Card Series before a three‑game loss to Atlanta.
- Team leaders pursued Alex Cora twice but were rebuffed, and sources say Cora’s public decision to sit out 2027 reopened the path for Mattingly to be promoted.
- Critics point to Mattingly’s late‑season choices—notably his bullpen management and unusual reliever usage—that contributed to a September swoon and drew fan scrutiny.
- The Phillies framed the hire as a continuity move ahead of a likely offseason work stoppage that could limit new‑manager communication, and they now turn to roster decisions and possible staff changes next.