SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JULY 9: Manager Rob Thomson #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on July 9, 2025 in San Francisco, California. The Phillies defeated the Giants 13-0. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies have enjoyed one of baseball’s strongest turnarounds since changing managers in late April, but that success has not erased the difficult circumstances surrounding the move.
With interim skipper Don Mattingly guiding the club back into the National League East race thanks to a stunning turnaround since he took over, Phillies principal owner John Middleton recently reflected on the decision to dismiss longtime manager Rob Thomson.
Philadelphia Phillies Owner Sends Rob Thomson Message As Team Thrives Without Him
Speaking about the realities of leading a historic Major League Baseball franchise, Middleton admitted that firing employees remains the most challenging part of his job.
“I, personally, find terminating someone the most difficult and the most unpleasant part of being an executive,” Middleton told The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber. “I’ve been doing this for over 45 years … and it was horrible the first time I had to do it, and I can’t tell you that it’s particularly better or easier nearly 50 years later. You’re really disrupting somebody’s life significantly, and you never can forget that.”
Those comments offer fresh perspective on the Phillies’ decision to part ways with Thomson after an ugly stretch that saw the club lose 11 of 12 games before the managerial change. While the move ultimately sparked a dramatic turnaround, Middleton emphasized that difficult personnel decisions never become routine.
He also made it clear that Thomson’s relationship with the organization remains intact despite the dismissal.
“Rob knows he’s always got a place in the organization. It’s really up to Rob to decide where and when and how, and we’ll work him in,” Middleton added, per Lauber.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Turnaround Could Make Don Mattingly Long-Term Replacement For Rob Thomson
Philadelphia’s resurgence under Mattingly has naturally changed the focus from the managerial change itself to the club’s postseason outlook. But beyond that, it seems Mattingly will be under consideration for a long-term role as the team’s skipper.
“Mattingly has said he would be interested in having the interim tag removed and possibly returning for a second season as manager,” the Associated Press reported. “He said (earlier this month) he wanted to table that discussion until the offseason.”
That question may become increasingly important if the Phillies continue their climb in the standings.
Since taking over, Mattingly has helped stabilize a roster led this season by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, Cristopher Sanchez and Jhoan Duran. The club has transformed from one of baseball’s biggest disappointments into a legitimate contender over the second half.
Even so, Middleton’s remarks show that the organization has not forgotten the manager who helped lead multiple playoff runs before this season unraveled. While the Phillies’ winning has softened the criticism surrounding the decision, the owner’s comments illustrate that replacing Thomson was never viewed as an easy or enjoyable choice — even if the results on the field have since justified the move.
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