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Phillies Promote Don Mattingly From Interim To Permanent Manager With 2-Year Deal

The Philadelphia Phillies have solidified Don Mattingly’s managerial role by extending him a two-year contract, removing the interim label after a season that saw the team nearly miss the playoffs despite a strong start. Mattingly took over in late April following the firing of Rob Thomson, guiding the Phillies to a 79-55 record and a postseason berth, though they were eliminated in three games by the Atlanta Braves in the NL Wild Card Series.

The late-season collapse followed a stretch where the team went 9-19 under Thomson, who had led them to four straight playoff appearances, including a World Series title in 2022. With a potential work stoppage looming and a roster featuring stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Aaron Nola, Mattingly’s familiarity and experience make him a steady choice to navigate an uncertain 2025 season while the Phillies continue their pursuit of a championship after five consecutive playoff exits.

The 65-year-old Mattingly, a six-time All-Star during his playing career with the Yankees, was initially hired last offseason as a bench coach and had another year left on his contract. His promotion follows a pattern seen elsewhere in MLB, where interim managers like Andy Green of the Mets and Chad Tracy of the Red Sox were later given permanent roles.

The Phillies’ front office, led by team president Dave Dombrowski, had previously pursued Alex Cora for the job but ultimately returned to Mattingly after Cora declined twice—once before the season and again after the playoffs ended.

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