PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies announced a contract extension for manager Rob Thomson, securing his leadership through the 2026 season. This decision comes after Thomson’s successful tenure, which has included three consecutive playoff appearances.
Thomson, who is 61 years old, led the Phillies to the World Series in 2022 and followed that success by taking the team to the National League Championship Series in 2023. This past season, he also guided the team to its first National League East title since 2011. However, the Phillies’ postseason run came to an end when they were defeated in four games by the New York Mets in the National League Division Series.
With an impressive .575 winning percentage, Thomson holds the record for the best managerial performance in the franchise’s history. His previous contract was set to run out after the 2025 season. Thomson expressed his satisfaction with the year-to-year contract format, stating, “I’ve mentioned many times this is the only place I want to be. This will be my last stop.”
Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, confirmed that the entire coaching staff will return next season, including hitting coach Kevin Long, who has garnered mixed responses from fans and players alike. Thomson remarked, “Many managers will say it, but I truly believe we have the best coaching staff in baseball.”
Following a successful season where the Phillies achieved a 95-67 record, Dombrowski reiterated his support for Thomson, who is affectionately known as “Topper” among players. He emphasized the coaching staff’s effectiveness, stating, “They do a very efficient job. They did lead us to 95 wins.”
Since taking over the managerial position on June 3, 2022, after replacing Joe Girardi, Thomson has posted an impressive record of 280 wins against 155 losses. Dombrowski pointed out the importance of avoiding a “lame-duck” scenario heading into the 2026 season, highlighting Thomson’s accomplishments. “There’s been very few clubs in baseball that have made the postseason three years in a row. He has done that,” he said. Dombrowski emphasized the value of stability in the managerial role, insisting that Thomson deserved the extension given his successful track record.
Thomson has been part of the Phillies organization since 2018, initially serving as the bench coach under former manager Gabe Kapler. His extensive coaching background includes 28 years with the New York Yankees, where he was part of the major league coaching staff for ten seasons, serving both as bench coach and third base coach.