Phillies turn from Mattingly hire to Turner and offense questions
The Phillies’ offseason pivot is moving fast after Don Mattingly’s return was locked in earlier this week. Dave Dombrowski is now making clear the next decisions will hit the roster and, most pointedly, Trea Turner’s future at shortstop.
Turner is the clearest pressure point
The biggest new wrinkle today is Dombrowski putting Turner on notice. Per MLB.com, Turner is still the Phillies’ shortstop for now, but he has to improve his defense if he wants to stay there, with the club making clear his long-term hold on the position is not guaranteed.
That matters because Turner has seven years left on his deal, so this is not a short-term evaluation. The Phillies are not talking about a small tweak here; they are signaling that a premium contract does not guarantee a permanent spot if the defense does not hold up.
Sources: Oskaloosa, NBC Sports Philadelphia, MLB.com
Offseason plans are opening up around the lineup
Dombrowski also said earlier this week that the club can start working on offseason changes now that the manager situation is settled, and he made clear the Phillies expect to win a World Series. That frames the rest of the winter: this is not a cleanup phase, it is a retooling phase.
One rumored target making the rounds today is Cubs free agent Seiya Suzuki, with Heavy predicting the Phillies will pursue him to bolster the offense. That is only a projection, not a report of talks, but it fits the broader need for more production after a season that ended with the Phillies going backward.
Staff changes and a little Philly flavor
The coaching staff churn is still part of the picture. Earlier this week, MLB.com reported that hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson will not return, following the announcement that Mattingly is back as manager. So the Phillies are not just shopping for players; they are reshaping the voices around them too.
And if you need one lighter note, a new movie about the Phillie Phanatic is set to debut at the Philadelphia Film Festival this weekend. Not roster news, but very on brand for a team and city that rarely stay serious for long.
Sources: Philliesnation, MLB.com
Further reading
- Phillies put Trea Turner on notice. Get better at shortstop or find another position (Oskaloosa)
- End of an error? Dave Dombrowski puts shortstop Trea Turner on notice (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
- Turner must play better shortstop in '27 or change positions, Dombrowski says (MLB.com)
- Philadelphia Phillies Predicted to Target Cubs Star Free Agent to Bolster Offense (Heavy)
- Don Mattingly, Phillies get to work on offseason changes (6Abc)
- Dombrowski offers insights into the Phillies' offseason agenda (MLB.com)
- New movie about Phillie Phanatic set to debut at Philadelphia Film Festival (Philliesnation)
- Long, Dickerson will not return to Phillies staff in '27 (sources) (MLB.com)
- Phillies bring back Mattingly as manager on 2-year deal (MLB.com)
Philly Sport Daily writes this brief each morning with the help of AI, working only from the reporting linked above. Spot an error? Let us know @sport_philly.