Don Mattingly has helped engineer one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Major League Baseball this season, transforming the Philadelphia Phillies from one of the league’s biggest disappointments into a legitimate postseason contender. Since taking over as interim manager following Rob Thomson’s dismissal in late April, Mattingly has guided Philadelphia to one of the best records in baseball, reviving a club that appeared headed for another lost season.
With the Phillies now firmly back in the National League playoff race, questions have naturally shifted toward the future of the managerial position. While the organization has yet to announce its plans beyond this season, Mattingly made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to remain in charge if the front office decides he is the right person for the job.
Speaking with ESPN before Philadelphia’s 11-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night, the veteran baseball executive and former Manager of the Year said he would gladly return for the 2027 season if asked.
“Oh, I would do it,” Mattingly said. “I committed myself to two years with the Phillies when I came over. So whatever (president of baseball operations) Dave (Dombrowski) wants to do in that regard.
“But yeah, I think I would like to do it.”
Mattingly joined the Phillies organization in January as the club’s bench coach after spending the previous three seasons in the same position with the Toronto Blue Jays. His role changed dramatically on April 28 when Philadelphia parted ways with Rob Thomson after a disappointing 9-19 start to the season.
Since then, Mattingly has overseen a dramatic resurgence. The Phillies have compiled a 43-22 record under his leadership, giving them the second-best mark in the majors during that stretch and putting themselves back in the thick of the National League playoff race.
The turnaround has been equally impressive in the standings. Philadelphia trailed the Atlanta Braves by 10 1/2 games in the NL East on May 22 but has since slashed that deficit to just three games. The Phillies are also tied with the Miami Marlins for the National League’s second Wild Card spot, positioning themselves for a strong push toward October.
Mattingly’s time in Philadelphia has also created a unique piece of baseball history. His son, Preston Mattingly, serves as the Phillies’ general manager, making them what is believed to be the first father-son manager and general manager pairing in Major League Baseball history.
Although the Phillies have not revealed their plans for the managerial position beyond this season, Mattingly’s success and his public willingness to continue could make him a leading candidate to remain in the dugout as the franchise looks to build on its remarkable midseason revival.