Phillies' Don Mattingly Decision Could Hint at Something Bigger

The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly set to retain Don Mattingly as manager, which certainly comes as a surprise.

Late in the season, reports surfaced that nothing short of a World Series run would save Mattingly's job, so when the Phillies were eliminated in the Wild Card Series, the general expectation is that Mattingly was gone.

But after Alex Cora snubbed Dave Dombrowski for the second time in six months, things took a turn.

Obviously, Philadelphia didn't have any other enticing managerial candidates on its radar. At least none that would move the Phillies to jettison someone who just led the team to a 79-55 record during his interim stay.

So, Mattingly it is, and Philadelphia's decision to keep the 65-year-old could be an indication of something bigger coming.

It seems hard to imagine the Phils would bring back Mattingly if they intended to head into 2027 with a vastly similar roster. We just saw what happened to the Phillies in the playoffs, and Mattingly is not known to be a major difference-maker in the dugout.

The intention must be to make significant changes that will improve the ballclub, and it also almost surely means that Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are returning.

Not that trading Harper or Schwarber, both of whom can veto any deal, was all that realistic of a proposition to begin with, but there was absolutely speculation that Philadelphia could shop one or both of them this winter.

That would signify a rebuild, and it's doubtful that the Phillies would re-sign Mattingly for a rebuilding ballclub.

I'm not sure exactly what Philadelphia has planned in the coming months, especially with the impending lockout. But you have to imagine that the Phillies do intend to beef up their lineup and repair their broken bullpen.

Philadelphia has one of the best starting rotations in baseball, but its lack of consistent offense was a killer in 2026. So was its subpar relief pitching.

The Phillies may have already discussed a plan with Mattingly, which is why the veteran skipper would even choose to return anyway.

Why come back if Philadelphia is just going to roll out the same roster and have everyone turn you into a scapegoat again when it doesn't work?

The Phillies seem primed to make some big moves this offseason, and the first hint is their surprising choice to retain Mattingly on the bench.

We'll see what Philadelphia decides to do once free agency opens.