ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 28: Rob Thomson #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies appeared to be struggling significantly when they decided to part ways with manager Rob Thomson earlier this season. At the time, the team was inconsistent and lacked direction, but Thomson remained optimistic about the roster’s potential despite his departure.
Weeks later, that optimism has been validated. Under interim manager Don Mattingly, the Phillies have surged into one of baseball’s most competitive teams, reigniting playoff hopes and raising questions about Thomson’s perspective on the sudden turnaround.
In his first public remarks since leaving the team, Thomson addressed his feelings directly. “There are always moments when you wish for more time, but I don’t hold any grudges,” Thomson told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. “The team is performing at a level that reflects their true capabilities, and that’s exactly what I believed was possible.”
While acknowledging the natural disappointment of losing a managerial role, Thomson emphasized his focus on the positives, noting that the team’s recent success under Mattingly confirms his earlier assessments of their talent. The Phillies’ 21-10 record since Mattingly took over has transformed them from underachievers into serious contenders in the National League Wild Card race.
Although the transition has strengthened Mattingly’s case for staying on permanently, it also highlights Thomson’s foresight. The players, however, feel a sense of mixed emotions, with Mattingly admitting, “You do feel guilty as a player. You know it’s not the manager.”
