Don Mattingly expected to return as Phillies manager

If you were hoping for dramatic changes with the Phillies for the 2027 season, it looks like it isn't going to come in the form of a new manager. According to this story by Charlotte Varnes, the Phillies are planning to name Don Mattingly as the full-time manager:

Mattingly drew mixed reviews for his performance after taking over for Rob Thomson in late April. The team was largely successful, going 79-55 after his hire, earning the National League's final playoff spot before losing in the Wild Card round. But many of Mattingly's decisions came under scrutiny, particularly his handling of the bullpen. His overuse of key relievers, and his tendency to repeatedly warm up relievers, seemed to leave them badly worn out by the end of the season.

This move will not go over well with fans hoping to see dramatic changes after five years of playoff failures, but the looming threat of an extended lockout to start the 2027 season may have influenced the Phillies' decision. It is no secret they were interested in Alex Cora , but Cora announced his intention to take next year off. The Phillies likely felt that with the 2027 season likely to be delayed or shortened, it would make sense to maintain some sense of continuity and re-assess next year.