The Phillies fired Pete Mackanin as manager Friday afternoon, but said he will remain in the organization as a special assistant to general manager Matt Klentak.
Mackanin, who received a contract extension in May for 2018, will manage the final three games of the season. He said earlier this week that he was unsure of his status for next season. Mackanin, 66, has guided the team to a 172-237 record since taking over for Ryne Sandberg in June 2015. Next season will be his 50th consecutive year in professional baseball.
The move was somewhat of a surprise, but Mackanin was not expected to manage the Phillies past next season. The Phillies could target a young manager, one who could be controlled more by the front office. Or they could target Buck Showalter, who might part ways with the Baltimore Orioles this winter, and has long-standing relationships with many members of the Phillies' front office. Triple-A manager Dusty Wathan, who joined the big-league staff after the minor league season ended, could be another option.
