Free extension for sports fans
Advertisement
Advertisement

Don Mattingly may be the right guy, but the Phillies are taking a big risk in running it back

The Phillies have decided Don Mattingly will be their manager moving forward, and it’s not without merit. However, many fans will ask whether it's worth running things back again.

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 1:07 AM
Don Mattingly may be the right guy, but the Phillies are taking a big risk in running it back
Key Things to Know
  • Writer Ethan Williams argues the Phillies risk fan frustration by retaining Don Mattingly instead of making major changes.
  • Mattingly led Philadelphia to a 79-55 record and a wild-card berth after replacing Rob Thomson in April.
  • The Phillies were eliminated from the postseason in a first-round series loss against the Atlanta Braves.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Ethan Williams writes that the Philadelphia Phillies are taking a significant risk by keeping manager Don Mattingly instead of pursuing meaningful roster or leadership changes. After replacing Rob Thomson following a 9-19 start in April, Mattingly guided the Phillies to a 79-55 finish and a wild-card berth before falling to the Atlanta Braves in the postseason.

Williams argues that extending Mattingly became the fallback after Dave Dombrowski failed to lure Alex Cora, who chose to sit out next season. While stars like Bryce Harper support the veteran manager, Williams notes fans may grow restless if similar results persist.

Advertisement

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.