Mattingly returns to Phils on 2-year deal

Thanks to Philadelphia Baseball Review

As reported by Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Don Mattingly will be the full-time manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Gelb and colleague Charlotte Varnes stated in an article released to the online outlet this morning that the Phils were about to welcome back the former Yankees first baseman, then issued an update shortly thereafter that Mattingly was inked to a 2-year contract.

A short time later, the Phillies issued a statement for final confirmation of the move.

The 65-year-old native of Evansville, Indiana joined the Phillies last offseason as a bench coach for then-manager Rob Thomson. Upon Thomson's firing as the club was mired in a 9-19 start, Mattingly was elevated to interim skipper. 

Despite criticism of his managerial style and decision making and amid speculation his demeanor was linked to the fact that his son, Preston, acts as Phillies general manager, the elder Mattingly finished the season with a 79-55 record, good enough for 2nd place in the NL East and helping the Phils gain a playoff berth for the 5th consecutive season. However, the pinstripers lost a 3-game Wild Card series to division champion Atlanta. 

Since he was asked to take the helm on Apr. 28, the Phillies' .590 winning percentage ranked 4th in all of baseball, behind just the Brewers (89-46), Rays (81-53) and the Dodgers (80-53).

Since his first MLB job with the Dodgers in 2011, Mattingly has compiled a 968-1005 overall record for LA (2011-15), Miami (2016-22) and Philly. 

In other news, Sam Fuld -- who had been team GM from 2020-24 -- will remain in his current role as president of baseball operations. Fuld had been seriously courted by the Athletics franchise for the same role, but withdrew his name from consideration.