Don Mattingly Named Phillies Manager on 2-Year Contract After MLB Rumors on Alex Cora Pursuit

The Philadelphia Phillies haved the interim tag and made Don Mattingly their full-time manager.

Philadelphia confirmed the deal on Wednesday morning, noting Mattlingly's contract is for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic first reported the decision.

Mattingly, 65, served as the Phillies' interim manager in 2026 after Rob Thomson was fired amid a 9-19 start. Philadelphia went 79-55 under Mattingly and reached the playoffs.

The Phillies are reportedly sticking with Mattingly after a failed attempt to court former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who told the organization last week that he does not want to manage in 2027, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

With Mattingly leading the way, the Phillies made their fifth consecutive playoff appearance, although they fell to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series, marking their earliest playoff exit since the Wild Card Series was instituted.

Phillies vs. Braves (10/01/2026)

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Mattingly is best known for his legendary playing career, as "Donnie Baseball" spent 14 seasons with the New York Yankees, primarily as a first baseman.

For his career, he hit .307 with 222 home runs and 1,099 RBI, plus he was a six-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove Award winner, three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, one-time batting champion and one-time American League MVP.

Mattingly is also a highly experienced manager, having spent parts of 13 seasons in that role with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins and Phillies.

He has an overall record of 968-1,005 with five playoff appearances, plus he was named National League Manager of the Year in 2020 while with the Marlins.

The challenge for Mattingly moving forward in Philly will be getting the most out of a team whose key players are either exiting or already past their prime for the most part.

Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, first baseman Bryce Harper, shortstop Trea Turner, catcher J.T. Realmuto and starting pitchers Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola are all at least 33 years old.

The Phillies do have some other notable players who are younger than that, including starting pitchers Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo, outfielder Brandon Marsh and second baseman Bryson Stott.

However, remaining competitive in the NL against the likes of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Braves and others could prove difficult as the Phillies' core continues to age out.

The organization apparently trusts Mattingly to get the most out of his players, though, on the heels of him turning around what was a nightmarish start to the 2026 campaign.