Phillies Retain Don Mattingly on Two-Year Deal as Offseason Changes Begin

Don Mattingly signed a two-year contract to remain the Philadelphia Phillies manager after leading the club to a 79-55 record and a Wild Card spot.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed interim manager Don Mattingly to a two-year contract on Wednesday, October 14, following a season where he led the team to a 79-55 record and a National League Wild Card berth. Mattingly, who replaced the fired Rob Thomson in April, told reporters on Thursday that he intends to implement different strategies now that he is no longer just driving a car built by his predecessor. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski confirmed the team is moving forward with roster evaluations after the Phillies averaged 91 wins over five straight playoff appearances without a World Series title.

Shortstop Trea Turner faces a potential position change to the outfield if he does not improve his defensive performance during spring training. Turner, who is entering the fifth year of an 11-year, $300 million contract, finished the 2026 season with a .242 batting average, a .675 OPS, and a league-high 21 errors. He recorded one hit in 10 at-bats during the postseason. Dombrowski stated it is mandatory for Turner to fix his swing and defensive consistency to remain at shortstop for the 2027 campaign.

Staff and roster adjustments are already underway as the club reached a $2.75 million agreement to retain left-handed reliever Tim Mayza, who posted a 3.48 ERA across 67⅓ innings last season. Mattingly hired Carlos Mendoza as the new infield and third-base coach, replacing Bobby Dickerson. Hitting coach Kevin Long has also departed the organization. Regarding the infield, Alec Bohm is eligible for free agency after an 88-RBI season, and second baseman Luis Arraez is also a free agent. Prospect Aidan Miller is expected to compete for a starting role after a back injury sidelined him for most of 2026.