How the Phillies Made the 2026 MLB Postseason

The Phillies made multiple opportunities to lock up a playoff spot over the final week. But ultimately, Philadelphia took it down to the wire, clinching a berth on the final day of the regular season. It extended the Phillies’ playoff streak to five seasons, and gives this core yet another shot at October glory.

Bouncing back from a slow start

Back in late April, the Phillies fired Rob Thomson as club manager, replacing him with then-bench coach Don Mattingly. When that move was made, the Phillies were at the bottom of the NL East, with a 10-19 record and an urgency to make the playoffs with a win-now group.

The Phillies surged for much of the 2026 season from that point forward, up until the final week of the year. For those doing the math at home, the Phillies won 88 games this season, 78 under Mattingly.

Dominance from top starters

It helped that the Phillies were able to get Zack Wheeler back soon after the start of the season.

Wheeler, who missed the first month of the 2026 campaign, was able to stymie hitters yet again in what was a strong return after thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. He limited hitters to a .206 opponents’ batting average and posted a 3.06 ERA. Plus, he came through during the Phillies’ must-win game on the 27th against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Aside from Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez were dominant. Luzardo was one of baseball’s best pitchers during the second half. Sanchez, meanwhile, was the consumate innings-eater. Only Sandy Alcantara faced more batters than Sanchez, and he limited well-hit contact with ease, especially against left-handed hitters.