Don Mattingly Returns to Phillies on Two-Year Deal

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Mattingly’s Return Brings Continuity as Philadelphia Weighs Its Next Move

Don Mattingly has signed a two-year deal to return to Philadelphia, which is great news for everyone involved. The move comes after Dombrowski and company were turned down twice by Cora, making the organization’s maneuvering particularly interesting. Philadelphia could certainly do much worse than bringing Mattingly back for two years.

The Phillies still have strong pitching and very good hitting, but the final results have repeatedly fallen short of expectations. That does not appear to be Mattingly’s fault as much as an issue with the overall complexion of the team. It also raises the question of whether the Phillies have simply been unlucky.

On paper, moving on from players such as Trey Turner, Bryce Harper, Schwarber or Christopher Sanchez does not necessarily look like the right answer. Something may need to change after five years of disappointing results, but a major reconfiguration could leave the team worse off.

With Sanchez, Wheeler and Lozardo leading a strong pitching staff, the better approach may be to fix the bullpen again, add a couple of players to the lineup and make another run. Free agency only offers two or three particularly strong players this year, so there may not be a better path available.

The Phillies are also dealing with an aging core. Harper, Schwarber, Wheeler, Nola and JT behind the plate are not getting any younger. The farm system was described as middle of the road, with a couple of players who could potentially help, making trades a likely route if the club decides to contend again.

Turner could be one player to consider moving. He did not have a great year and has been a good Phillie rather than a great one. Another team might view him as a buy-low opportunity while still offering Philadelphia a significant piece, allowing the Phillies to address shortstop in another way.

Still, the organization must be careful what it wishes for. A drastic overhaul would put significant pressure on Dombrowski and could make the coming season his last as Philadelphia’s general manager if it failed.

Mattingly’s deal provides some continuity, and the window of opportunity remains open. The priority, however, must be fixing the bullpen. With Mattingly’s son serving as acting general manager, the situation should be interesting to watch moving forward.