Just last week, the Philadelphia Phillies were enduring one of their worst slumps in recent memory. Despite the downturn, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made it clear that manager Rob Thomson wasn’t in danger of being fired.
“Dave Dombrowski is worried about the Phillies’ struggles, but he stated that Rob Thomson is not on the hot seat even after seven straight losses. Dombrowski emphasized that his focus is on the team’s overall performance during their 8-15 start,” ESPN reported.
However, less than a week after those remarks, Dombrowski opted to part ways with Thomson. Bench coach Don Mattingly has been named interim manager following Thomson’s departure.
“A major shift is underway in Philadelphia. The Phillies dismissed manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday morning. Don Mattingly will serve as interim skipper for the remainder of the 2026 season, according to the team’s announcement,” wrote Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors.
Now, the Phillies face a significant decision at season’s end regarding their next manager. One potential candidate to watch is former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross.
“Ross’s four-year record with the Cubs may not stand out, but it’s worth noting he had far less talent than Craig Counsell now enjoys. He leans old-school much like Thomson and his in-game choices could sometimes be puzzling, yet he brings extensive experience as both a player and coach and is widely respected in clubhouses. He’ll get another opportunity; don’t rule him out,” wrote Chris Landers of FanSided.
Ross was highly regarded during his Cubs tenure, and his replacement by Craig Counsell came as a surprise. As a former player, Ross also brings World Series experience to any team he joins.
With his old-school style, Ross could offer the kind of edge the Phillies want in their next manager. He has proven he can succeed in the role, making him a strong candidate for Philadelphia going forward.
