Phillies' decision to keep Rob Thomson raises a big question

According to reports, the Philadelphia Phillies have decided to keep manager Rob Thomson for the 2026 season. The move is perhaps not surprising as the 62-year-old Thomson is under contract through the 2026 campaign.

However, with the reported decision comes questions about what other changes might be in store for the defending National League East champions. The Phillies were bounced out of the postseason in the NLDS by the Los Angeles Dodgers, bringing yet another swift end to Red October. 

While there were plenty of questions about a Game 2 decision to bunt that backfired, Thomson also earned praise for his handling of devastated reliever Orion Kerkering after the botched play at home plate that provided the final moments of Philadelphia's Game 4 loss in Los Angeles.

What comes next in Phillies dugout?

While Thomson may be back in 2026, there are plenty of questions about what the Phillies can and will do with other coaching positions as well. One of the biggest questions surrounds hitting coach Kevin Long and his role moving forward. 

Long became the hitting coach for the Phillies before the 2022 campaign. He has been credited by slugger Kyle Schwarber for helping turn his career around after he was non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs in 2020.

The Phillies, however, hit just .212 in their postseason series against the Dodgers, part of the reason why Philadelphia did not make it past the NLDS for the second straight year. In all, Philadelphia's bats went cold in October three consecutive years (including a 2023 NLCS showing against the Arizona Diamondbacks when Philadelphia scored just three runs in the final two games of the series). 

But is that enough for Long to lose his job? If the Phillies are looking to show they're going to make some kind of changes to get back to the World Series, it's possible.

Phillies thinking about Kyle Schwarber's future with this decision?

Part of the answer around Long's future could come from how serious the Phillies are in retaining Schwarber, a free agent this offseason after finishing out a four-year, $79 million deal with Philadelphia. Will Schwarber be willing to re-sign with Philadelphia if Long isn't part of the staff?

Philadelphia was one of the National League's most productive offensive teams in 2025, finishing fifth in runs scored and second in OPS. However, when bats go cold in October, it matters little what numbers were put up during the regular season.

The Phillies are scheduled to hold their season-ending news conference on Thursday, where Thomson's stay for 2026 is expected to be officially announced. It's likely Phillies fans will know that day about any coaching changes that might be coming as Philadelphia prepares for what should be an interesting offseason focused on Schwarber's future in the City of Brotherly Love.