Mon Jan 05 14:00:00 UTC 2026: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phillies Tap Don Mattingly as New Bench Coach for 2026 Season

Philadelphia, PA – January 5, 2026 – The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the hiring of baseball legend Don Mattingly as their new bench coach for the 2026 season. The move comes as the team looks to revamp its coaching staff after a disappointing postseason performance despite a strong 96-win regular season.

Mattingly, a Hall of Fame caliber player and seasoned manager, brings a wealth of experience to the Phillies. His most recent stint was as an assistant coach with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he played a key role in their near World Series upset against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mattingly’s contract with the Blue Jays has now expired, paving the way for his move to Philadelphia.

Manager Rob Thomson expressed his excitement about Mattingly joining the team, citing his “intelligence, presence, and experience” as valuable assets. Thomson and Mattingly previously worked together as assistant coaches with the New York Yankees in the 2000s.

The timing of Mattingly’s arrival has also fueled speculation about the Phillies’ potential interest in Toronto Blue Jays free agent Bo Bichette, given the established connection.

The Phillies are optimistic that Mattingly’s addition will provide a significant boost to the team as they aim for a deeper playoff run in 2026.

About the Philadelphia Phillies:

The Philadelphia Phillies are a professional baseball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The team competes in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) East division.

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