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

Don Mattingly acknowledged that the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies were not truly his team after the club retained him as full-time manager on a two-year contract through 2028.

“Last year really wasn’t my team,” Mattingly said, via ESPN. “It was Thomps’ team. I took over from that point and just kind of just drove the car from there.”

Mattingly added that there are things he wants to do differently.

Mattingly stepped in as interim manager on April 28 after the Phillies started 9-19 and fired Rob Thomson. He guided them to a 79-55 record and a wild-card berth before a three-game loss to the Atlanta Braves in the NL Wild Card Series. The club finished 88-74 overall.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski explored other options, including former Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who declined twice, along with former Phillies Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez. Mattingly said he never felt slighted, noting he wanted the best for the organization and had confidence in himself.

Looking ahead, Mattingly plans to make the Phillies less cautious, prioritizing defense—where they ranked last in Defensive Runs Saved—along with baserunning and a cleaner, more versatile offensive approach that builds on their strong August.

The team is not retaining hitting coach Kevin Long or infield coach Bobby Dickerson, has hired Carlos Mendoza for the infield and third-base role, and is seeking a new hitting coach.

With a potential work stoppage looming, Mattingly’s familiarity with the roster offers continuity as the Phillies chase their first World Series title since 2008.