The Philadelphia Phillies have turned to Don Mattingly as their new manager amid a challenging start to the 2026 season. Mattingly, who previously managed the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins, succeeds Rob Thomson following a dismal stretch in which the team lost 10 consecutive games and 11 of 12 to close out Thomson’s tenure. The Phillies entered Mattingly’s stewardship with a 10-19 record despite a sizable payroll of $284.7 million.

The Phillies’ struggles extend beyond managerial changes, reflecting issues across both pitching and offense. Key players such as former All-Star Alec Bohm and second baseman Bryson Stott have underperformed, while an aging roster and a faltering pitching rotation exacerbated difficulties early in the season. The decision to release starting pitcher Taijuan Walker highlights the broader challenges the front office faces in stabilizing the staff. The team’s recent 7-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants marked its first shutout win of the season, providing some optimism under the new leadership.

The Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, initially sought to bring in Alex Cora for the managerial role, citing their successful collaboration during the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 World Series championship. However, Cora declined the position, opting to prioritize family commitments. Dombrowski acknowledged that he expected Cora to accept but understood his decision to put family first. With Cora out, Mattingly became the Phillies’ choice to guide the club through its current struggles.

Mattingly expressed confidence in the team’s players and emphasized the need to elevate their performance rather than focusing solely on his own managerial approach. “I trust players, I believe in players, I like players. But I want us to play better baseball,” he said. Despite being the second choice, Mattingly embraced the challenge, maintaining much of the existing coaching staff, including hitting coach Kevin Long and promoting third base coach Dusty Wathan to bench coach.

The Phillies have precedent for rebounding midseason under new management. In 2022, after firing Joe Girardi following a 22-29 start, the team went 65-46 under Thomson’s leadership and reached the World Series. The schedule offers a potential advantage for Mattingly, with nine of the next 13 games at home and few opponents holding winning records.

Compounding the complexity of the situation is the personal dynamic within the Phillies organization, as Mattingly’s son, Preston Mattingly, serves as the team’s general manager. Don Mattingly credited his family, including his 11-year-old son Louis, for influencing his decision to take the job after initially stepping away.

Rob Thomson, who guided the Phillies to four consecutive postseason appearances, including the 2022 World Series, acknowledged the team’s inconsistency during a recent video call with reporters, expressing support for his former players despite the frustrating start.

As Mattingly settles into his new role, the team and fans alike will watch closely to see if the Phillies can regain their footing and contend seriously this season.