Don Mattingly on 2026 Phillies: ‘Last year really wasn’t my team’

Don Mattingly stated that the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies were not truly his team after signing a two-year contract to remain as full-time manager through 2028. Mattingly originally took over as interim manager on April 28 following the dismissal of Rob Thomson, guiding the Phillies to a 79-55 finish and a wild-card berth before falling to the Atlanta Braves in the postseason.

Looking ahead, Mattingly plans to adjust the team's approach by prioritizing baserunning, offensive versatility, and defense after Philadelphia ranked last in Defensive Runs Saved. The Phillies have already begun reshaping their coaching staff by hiring Carlos Mendoza as infield and third-base coach while parting ways with Kevin Long and Bobby Dickerson.