Would Don Mattingly be willing to manage the Philadelphia Phillies beyond the 2026 season?
When Don Mattingly agreed to be the bench coach of the Philadelphia Phillies over the winter, he had no idea what would be in store for him during the 2026 season.
The 65-year-old likely thought he left his managing days behind him after his final season as the Miami Marlins skipper in 2022.
However, the Phillies opted to part ways with skipper Rob Thomson on April 28 after a disastrous start to the season. After 21 games, Philadelphia held a 9-19 record and faced a steep climb to get back into postseason contention.
After parting ways with Thomson, the Phillies named Mattingly interim manager. He was recently asked about his future as skipper in Philadelphia, and Mattingly gave a very direct answer.
“I would do it,” Mattingly admitted.
“I kind of committed myself to two years with the Phillies when I came over. So, you know, whatever Dave [Dombrowski] wants to do in that regard. But yeah, I think I would like to do it.”
Philadelphia Phillies manager Don Mattingly (8) seeks clarification on a call in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The Reds lost 4-1 to the Phillies.There it is; Mattingly is open to managing the Phillies past the 2026 season.
There’s a strong case to be made that Philadelphia should hold on to him heading into 2027, too. Since Mattingly took over as the Phillies' skipper, the team has a 43-22 record.
Before Mattingly, the Phillies had just a 7.3 percent chance of winning the National League East. Now, that number is 33.5 percent as Philadelphia is just 3.0 games back of the Atlanta Braves.
Mattignly's stop in Philly could be his most successful as a skipper.
He had a .430 winning percentage after seven years with the Marlins and a .551 winning percentage as skipper of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Right now, Mattingly's winning percentage with the Phillies is .646.
Even though Mattingly is obviously open to returning, the Phillies need to ask themselves whether they want him back for another season or should think more long-term.
Earlier this season, there were reports that the team was targeting Alex Cora for the job after he was let go by the Boston Red Sox. He would represent the organization's future, whereas Mattingly may not be committed beyond 2027.
All of those managerial discussions can continue in the fall, after the season has come to a close, with hopefully a deep Phillies player run.
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