Mattingly ready to put stamp on Phillies: 'Really wasn't my team' — SkimNews
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- Don Mattingly signed a two-year deal to drop the interim tag after going 79-55 following Rob Thomson's April firing, telling reporters, "Last year really wasn't my team… I think there are things that I want to do differently."
- Dave Dombrowski told Trea Turner this week that the shortstop must show in spring training he can play the position defensively or risk a move to the outfield, after Turner hit .242 with a .675 OPS and a league-worst 21 errors in 2025.
- Turner still has $300 million and seven years remaining on his 11-year deal, effectively making him immovable in trade talks despite going 1-for-10 in the playoffs.
- Mattingly hired former Mets manager Carlos Mendoza as his infield and third-base coach, while hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson were dismissed.
- The Phillies re-signed lefty reliever Tim Mayza to a $2.75 million deal after he posted a 3.48 ERA across 67⅓ innings in his first season with the club.
- Third baseman Alec Bohm (88 RBIs) and second baseman Luis Arraez are both eligible for free agency, while top prospect Aidan Miller is ready to compete for an infield spot after missing most of 2026 with a back injury.
Why it matters: Mattingly's retention signals ownership is betting on continuity in the dugout while Dombrowski — entering the final year of his contract in 2027 — pressures Turner to justify the remaining $300 million on his contract. With the aging core of Harper, Schwarber, Realmuto, Wheeler and Nola stuck on five straight playoff trips without a World Series, every coaching and roster decision this offseason carries heightened urgency.
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