Phillies expected to name Don Mattingly as full-time manager after 2026 turn around

The Philadelphia Phillies got off to a miserable start in 2026, opening the season with a 9-19 record. The team acted swiftly amid its floundering, firing Rob Thomson and promoting Don Mattingly to be interim manager. Philadelphia immediately turned things around, going 79-55 the rest of the way and earning a playoff spot.

Because of that, Mattingly is expected to be named the team's full-time manager for 2027, according to The Athletic. The team is expected to make that announcement soon.

While Mattingly was credited with turning the Phillies' season around, his promotion to the full-time role was not a guarantee. The Phillies nearly blew a shot at the playoffs in September, going 3-6 over their final nine games to barely limp into the postseason. The team's poor performance then carried into the wild-card round, where the Phillies lost to the Atlanta Braves.

During the team's skid, Mattingly received criticism for his in-game strategy, particularly with his bullpen management.

Though Mattingly is expected to receive the full-time job, there's evidence he was not the Phillies' first choice. When Mattingly assumed the interim role in April, it was reported the team first reached out to former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who declined the job.

The Phillies reportedly reached out to Cora again after the 2026 season, but he once again refused the role .

That put the Phillies is a difficult spot moving foward. With a lockout expected this offseason due to the expiring collective-bargaining agreement (CBA), team personnel will not be allowed to communicate with players for — presumably — a large chunk of the winter. Those restrictions could make it tough on a new manager, who wouldn't be able to talk, strategize or get to know players amid a lockout. That will be less of an issue with Mattingly, who already has an established rapport with the team and its players.

Prior to managing the Phillies, Mattingly led both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins. His tenure with Los Angeles was far more successful, as he led the team to three postseason appearances in five seasons. He made the playoffs just once in seven seasons with Miami.