The Philadelphia Phillies made a stunning decision early in the 2026 MLB season, parting ways with manager Rob Thomson after a disastrous start. In his place, they turned to Don Mattingly—and the results have been nothing short of remarkable.

Since taking the helm, Mattingly has guided the Phillies to an 8-1 record, transforming the team into the powerhouse many expected to see from Opening Day. This sudden turnaround has sparked an intriguing prediction from Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller, who believes Mattingly could join an exclusive club in baseball history.

According to Miller, Mattingly is a strong candidate to win the National League Manager of the Year award—a feat that would place him alongside just two other managers who took over mid-season and earned the honor: Florida's Jack McKeon in 2003 and Colorado's Jim Tracy in 2009. McKeon posted a 75-49 record after stepping in, while Tracy went 74-42. Mattingly's early success suggests he could become the third member of that elite group.

Of course, winning the award will require the Phillies to maintain their hot streak. After stumbling to a 9-19 start, the team is clawing its way back into contention. If Mattingly can keep the momentum going and lead Philadelphia to the top of the NL East—currently held by the Atlanta Braves, who are 8.5 games ahead—the award could be within reach.

More realistically, the Phillies may secure a Wild Card spot if they continue to play elite baseball. But with Braves manager Walt Weiss currently leading the race for the award, a dramatic surge that overtakes Atlanta would be the kind of storybook finish that makes Mattingly a serious contender for the honor.

For a team that entered the season as a top World Series favorite, the journey is far from over—and Don Mattingly is writing a compelling new chapter.