Philadelphia Phillies Confirm Don Mattingly as Permanent Manager

The Philadelphia Phillies have officially named Don Mattingly as their full-time manager after firing Rob Thomson mid-season. Mattingly, known as ‘Donnie Baseball,’ initially joined the team as an interim manager.

During Mattingly’s interim tenure, the Phillies experienced a significant turnaround. They recovered from a disappointing start at 9-19 and improved their performance to finish with a 73-45 record over 118 games. Despite a late-season struggle where they lost five of their last 15 games, their efforts took them to the National League Wild Card Series, ultimately falling to the Atlanta Braves.

Philadelphia announced Mattingly’s appointment, along with a two-year contract, on Wednesday. Mattingly’s connection to the team extends to personal ties; his son Preston serves as the general manager.

“Mattingly will have the interim tag taken off and be hired full time. He signed a two-year deal, the team announced Wednesday.”

Mattingly’s career in baseball management includes leading the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins. He also served as the bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2023 until their World Series appearance in 2025, before resigning from his role.

Despite his long career, which began in 1979, Mattingly has yet to clinch a World Series victory. Notably, the 2025 Fall Classic marked his first appearance at the event.

The Phillies retain a strong core, with key players such as Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber remaining with the team. Pitchers Aaron Nola and Christopher Sanchez are contracted for the foreseeable future.

Over recent years, the Phillies have maintained a competitive presence. Harper’s second MVP win in 2021 was a highlight, although the team lost the World Series in 2022. Subsequent seasons saw the Phillies falling short, including an NLCS exit in 2023, NLDS defeats in 2024 and 2025, and their recent Wild Card Series loss.