Brief
Phillies eye new manager as Don Mattingly’s interim term ends
With the Phillies eliminated in the Wild Card Series, Sportskeeda lists ten possible managerial candidates for the 2027 season.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Philadelphia Phillies will need to appoint a permanent manager for the 2027 season after interim manager Don Mattingly’s contract ends following a postseason loss to the Atlanta Braves.
What happened
Mattingly was promoted from bench coach to interim manager in April 2026 after the team fired Rob Thomson following a 9‑19 start. Under Mattingly, the Phillies posted a 79‑55 record and secured a postseason berth, only to be eliminated by the Braves in the National League Wild Card Series on September 30, 2026.
What the reports add
Sportskeeda enumerates ten former managers who could be hired, highlighting their recent roles and achievements. The list includes:
- Don Mattingly himself, noted for his familiarity with the roster and prior success with the Dodgers and Marlins.
- Bob Melvin, a three‑time Manager of the Year who was dismissed by the San Francisco Giants after the 2025 season and is now a special assistant with the Oakland Athletics.
- Dan Wilson, who led the Seattle Mariners to an AL West title in his first full season before parting ways after the 2026 campaign.
- Rocco Baldelli, former Minnesota Twins manager and 2019 AL Manager of the Year, currently a special assistant to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
- David Ross, former Chicago Cubs manager, mentioned as an outside contender.
What was said
The article does not quote any individuals directly; all information is presented as background on each candidate.
How it came about
The managerial search follows the Phillies’ dramatic wild‑card victory over the Braves, which featured the first MLB playoff ABS challenge, as reported by Felo News on September 30, 2026 (Phillies seal Game 2 win over Braves with first‑ever ABS challenge). The team’s postseason appearance, despite a slow start, has intensified speculation about who will lead the club into 2027.
Key facts
- Don Mattingly served as interim manager for the Phillies in 2026, guiding them to a 79‑55 record and a postseason berth. (sportskeeda.com)
- The Phillies were eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series on September 30, 2026. (sportskeeda.com)
- Sportskeeda lists ten potential managerial candidates for the Phillies, including Bob Melvin, Dan Wilson, Rocco Baldelli and David Ross. (sportskeeda.com)
Sources
- [1] sportskeeda.com — originally reported as “10 Managers Phillies Could Hire for 2027 As Don Mattingly’s Interim Stint Ends in Postseason Heartbreak”
