PHILADELPHIA – The Phillies still need a bench coach.
Don Mattingly is available. He just left his job as the Blue Jays’ bench coach.
Mattingly, 64, would make sense for the Phillies, who last month moved Mike Calitri into a new role as Major League field coordinator. Mattingly not only had a Hall of Fame-quality playing career with the Yankees, but he has extensive managerial and coaching experience.
The Phillies have discussed Mattingly being manager Rob Thomson’s bench coach, according to The Phillies Show’s Jim Salisbury.
Thomson and Mattingly know each other well. Previously, Thomson, Mattingly and Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long worked together in the Yankees’ organization. There is familiarity and respect there.
Mattingly appeared on Thursday at a meet-and-greet for Gold Glove Award winners at the MLB Flagship Store in New York City. Asked what he might want to do next, Mattingly said, “I don't know. I think the thing I wrestle with is trying to balance family with a 10-year-old, trying to balance that with still loving doing what I'm doing, and then balancing the road.
“I’m 64, I feel good, but the road kind of wears you down. If I talked about it right now, the last thing I want to do is be on the road, but you never know how you feel a month from now or whatever. So those are the things I wrestle with, is really that balancing act of family and still being a part of the game, which, I still like what I'm doing.”
Mattingly managed the Dodgers from 2010-15 and the Marlins from '16-22. If he wants to manage again, there is only one job currently available: the Colorado Rockies.
Mattingly said the Rockies aren’t a good fit.
“At this point I just want to chill and figure out what I want to do,” Mattingly said. “I don't know. You just wake up today, take everything in, try to relax from the season, and again, just trying to see what comes up and what balances the family and work.”
De La Cruz agrees to Minor League deal (sources)
The Phillies and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz agreed to terms on a Minor League contract, sources confirmed.
MLB insider Mike Rodriguez first reported the deal.
De La Cruz, 28, has spent parts of five seasons with the Marlins, Pirates and Braves. He has hit a combined .251 with a .697 OPS and an 89 OPS+ in 1,872 plate appearances. He had 50 plate appearances this season with Atlanta.
De La Cruz hit 21 homers in 2024 with Miami and Pittsburgh. He also hits right-handed. It’s no secret the Phillies could use more right-handed bats, particularly in the outfield. De La Cruz will get a look in Spring Training.
Elizabeth Muratore contributed to this report.