The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly retaining manager Rob Thomson for 2026, according to Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Thomson is currently under contract through the 2026 season. It remains to be seen whether, and to what extent, any changes to the rest of the coaching staff will occur. The team has announced that their end-of-season press conference will take place on October 16. Changes to the rest of the coaching staff might be announced at that time. One change that should be made is finally parting ways with hitting coach Kevin Long. Furthermore, that should have happened after the 2024 season. Changes need to happen this offseason.
Phillies Reportedly Retaining Manager
Regular Season Success
Thomson is one of the best regular-season managers in Phillies history. Currently, Thomson ranks 10th on the Phillies’ all-time managerial wins list. Additionally, Thomson has the best winning percentage among Phillies managers who have managed at least 324 games. Thomson is tied with Dallas Green for the best average division finish among Phillies managers. The Phillies are 95 games over .500 under Thomson’s management. Charlie Manuel is the lone Phillies manager with more games over .500 as the Phillies’ skipper. Thomson has not won a World Series in this role. Green and Manuel led the Phillies to World Series titles.
Repeated Postseason Failures
The Phillies’ championship window closed with their NLDS loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This decision to bring Thomson back is all the more baffling. The Phillies need a new voice leading their clubhouse. Additionally, this team needs a complete roster shakeup. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has shown a refusal to do this in the offseason the past few years. This makes it puzzling as to why Thomson is returning. Every season with Thomson, the team has improved its regular season win total. However, each time the team has gone backward in the postseason.
Main Photo Credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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