Phillies Stay or Go: Rob Thomson’s Future as Manager
Rob Thomson has developed a reputation for mismanaging crucial moments in the postseason, leaving the Phillies in a challenging position after their disappointing NLDS loss to the Mets. While the team faces potential roster changes for 2025, it’s worth considering Thomson’s role as manager. Despite his success in the regular season—posting a 250-185 record with a .575 winning percentage, the best for a Phillies manager since 1890—his postseason struggles are becoming hard to ignore. He’s made three consecutive playoff appearances and improved the team each year, but in October, the Phillies have faltered. Thomson is 20-14 in the playoffs, yet they’ve lost every elimination game under his leadership.
Known as “Philly Rob” for his blue-collar work ethic, the front office extended his contract after the 2022 World Series run, which keeps him with the team until 2025. But will they let him lead as a lame-duck manager? With few clear alternatives available, such as Skip Schumaker or even a wild card hire like Raúl Ibanez or Chase Utley, it’s uncertain whether a change is on the horizon.
Why Thomson Should Go
Thomson’s decision-making during the NLDS against the Mets raised questions. While it’s impossible to say if better decisions would have changed the outcome, he didn’t put the Phillies in the best position to win. He made solid calls starting Cristopher Sánchez in Game 2 and Aaron Nola in Game 3, but in Game 4, facing elimination, he relied on the bullpen instead of turning to Sánchez again, which backfired.
Additionally, his handling of Bryson Stott was puzzling. After Stott’s game-saving two-run triple in Game 2, Thomson benched him in Game 3 against a lefty pitcher, only to start him against a lefty the next day in Game 4. His choice to start Weston Wilson over Johan Rojas, who would have provided valuable defense, was also questionable.
Rob Thomson
The management of Carlos Estévez, the big trade deadline acquisition, was another misstep. Estévez didn’t pitch in the Game 1 loss when he should have, and in Game 2 he was pulled after just eight pitches. By Game 3, with the team trailing 6-2, he was used unnecessarily, costing the Phillies in Game 4 when Estévez was needed most. He ultimately surrendered the season-ending grand slam to Francisco Lindor.
Thomson also continued to trust Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm, despite their struggles, and it cost the team their season. Meanwhile, Sánchez and even Zack Wheeler were available but weren’t used effectively.
While it seems likely that Thomson will return for another year, something must change when it comes to postseason management. If not, the Phillies risk repeating the same mistakes next October.
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