Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic argues the Phillies’ issues run deeper than the manager, contending the core players may be past their primes and that the team’s performance suggests a broader organizational problem rather than a single coaching shortcoming.
Rosenthal notes that while manager Rob Thomson guided the club to a pennant after replacing Joe Girardi in 2022, the current situation could test his job security—especially given the ownership and front office dynamics. He adds that president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski would not hesitate to make a change if he believes it’s necessary.
On the field, the pitching has been a major concern, contributing to the Phillies ranking near the bottom of the league in team ERA. Offensively, the struggles are even more pronounced: through 21 games, Philadelphia has scored just 75 runs, tying for 27th in the majors.
The aging trio of Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner anchors the lineup, but uncertainty around the supporting cast behind them—and inconsistent performances from players like Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh—has hindered run production.
If a turnaround does not materialize soon, Thomson could become the focal point of criticism, even as the larger question centers on whether the roster can rebound. The Phillies possess enough talent to reverse course, but the timeline remains uncertain and could influence Thomson’s future in Philadelphia.
