Phillies GM sends clear message to fans as crucial offseason gets underway

Philadelphia Phillies fans are no stranger to heartbreak. However, when reliever Orion Kerkering threw the series-defining dribbler home instead of to first base, this season's heartbreak stung a little more than in year's past.

With the momentum behind them, the Phillies seemed like the sure-fire champions, at least of the National League. But with the goliath of the NL West, the Phillies just couldn't get it done as it seemed as though luck, in addition to money, was on the Los Angeles Dodgers' side.

Now looking ahead to 2026, Phillies general manager Preston Mattingly has already started sowing the seeds that indicate a massive offseason is in store for Philadelphia.

General manager Preston Mattingly gives Phillies fans hope for this offseason and the future

Despite the first round exit, it's evident that at least the front office is trying to build a beast that can contend with the Dodgers. Mattingly recently went on the record with 94 WIP's High Hopes podcast, where he said they are trying to build a monster.

"I think as an organization, we're just getting started. We're trying to build a monster here," Mattingly said. "I think we're going to keep trying to do that. Obviously, we've made a ton of trades to supplement our major league club and we're going to keep doing that as well, to try and win, because that's the ultimate goal."

That means, first and foremost, addressing the roster's holes heading into the 2026 season (subscription required). Re-signing designated hitter Kyle Schwarber continues as the team's main priority as they head into the offseason. But with other big names, like backstop J.T. Realmuto, also hitting the market, the Phillies have a chance to do something most teams dream of but can never accomplish: rebuild while still maintaining star power.

With big names like Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner locked in as Phillies veteran regulars, moving on from other more experienced vets who are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning could allow for some of the rumors already circulating to gain some steam.

One option might be to trade for Baltimore Orioles two-time All Star catcher Adley Rutschman, as they could look to pivot to a younger defender behind the dish.

Mattingly also has an eye on the future. Thanks to his background as the Phillies' minor league coordinator, he knows that building for the long term requires a healthy and productive development system.

"We're going to build this thing the right way," Mattingly said. "We're going to get a ton of players and we're going to develop them, and you're going to see home-grown players. As fans know, it takes time."

The Phillies aren't tempted just to make changes on the field, either. With manager Rob Thomson returning in 2026, the Phillies could look to add more baseball star power on the coaching staff. Rumors of Mattingly's father, former Toronto Blue Jays bench coach and six-time All Star first baseman, Don Mattingly could be a viable replacement to take over as the team's bench coach.

While this could look like a reverse nepo-baby situation, Mattingly potentially hiring his father doesn't seem completely out of the question. The Phillies said they're looking for a bench coach who has major league managerial experiece. The older Mattingly has history with both Thomson and Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long, which could equate to a recipe for offensive dominance, especially in the postseason.

While the Phillies are poised for some big moves this winter, the front office will be keeping an eye on the future of the club. With both facets in focus, the Phillies could create a monster for years to come. Fans hope so, at least.