The Philadelphia Phillies didn't waste any time at the MLB Winter Meetings, extending manager Rob Thomson for another year. Originally signed to the end of 2024, his new contract will run through the 2025 season, giving him an extra year with the Phillies' "win the World Series now" core.
The Phillies have extended the contract of manager Rob Thomson through the 2025 season.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) December 4, 2023
In addition, the club has hired Dustin Lind and Rafael Peña as assistant hitting coaches for the major league staff.
Thomson has been with the Phillies since 2018, when he took over bench coach duties. After taking over for the fired Joe Girardi on June 3 of the 2022 season, Thomson took the 22-29 Phillies on a 65-46 run, culminating with a magical postseason trip all the way to the World Series.
The Canadian, from Sarnia, Ontario, has said that he had previously planned on retiring after the 2022 season, but the Phillies made him the full-time manager after the season, and he stuck around. He led the team to a 90-72 record in 2023 and another deep playoff run that ended in the National League Championship Series at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Thomson had also previously said that he wasn't concerned about an extension.
"My whole career, I’ve never worried about my contract,” Thomson said in his season-ending press conference. "I’ve never worried about getting fired. Because I can’t control it. I just can’t. So I leave it alone, I put my head down, I do my work, and whatever happens, happens.”
Dave Dombrowski and the front office obviously deemed it fitting to give the 60-year-old an extra year in red pinstripes.
Philly Rob 🫡 pic.twitter.com/l9RSNMvNpJ
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) December 4, 2023
Thomson started his professional baseball career as a catcher and third baseman in the Detroit Tigers organization. He played in their minor league system from 1985 to 1988, but never made it to the Major Leagues.
Before coming to the Phillies, Thomson had spent his post-playing career with the New York Yankees in various capacities. After starting as a minor league coach, he moved into a front office role before being named to the big club's coaching staff. He spent time as the Yankees' third base and bench coach.
Phillies fans will no doubt be happy to see Thomson in the dugout for another two seasons, especially if he can take the Fightins back to the the pinnacle of the sport and bring home a World Series trophy.