Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced Tuesday that manager Rob Thomson received a contract extension through the 2026 season.
On-field success
Thomson has seen plenty of success since being named manager in June 2022. The team has reached the postseason each year under his leadership, including winning their first National League East division title since 2011 in 2024.
Thomson’s winning percentage of .575 is the best mark by a Phillies manager since 1890.
Winning at home in front of your fans is always crucial to players. The Phillies were 54-27 at Citizens Bank Park this season, the best home record in baseball.
Players love him
The Phillies players love playing for Thomson. From the nicknames they’ve given him, like “Topper” and “Philly Rob,” to supporting him by wearing “I Ride With Philly Rob” shirts, it’s evident that the clubhouse enjoys playing under his leadership.
MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki wrote about the kind of person Thomson is in a story in October 2022, noting, “He has an easy-going way about him. He is warm and friendly. He can tell a joke and share a good story. But, most important in the clubhouse and in the dugout, he is even-keeled and true to his word.”
In addition to bringing Thomson back for another year, his coaching staff will also return. Phillies players would talk throughout the season about their love for the coaches and how hard they pushed them to play their best baseball.
Benefits the young players
Thomson has been pivotal in developing younger players like Johan Rojas, Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott.
Confidence in baseball fluctuates with every game. Thomson’s contract extension should give the young players relief that they’ll be able to play under someone who cares about their growth.
