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The Phillies announced Friday that Pete Mackanin will not manage the team in 2018. Mackanin will remain with the organization as a special assistant to the general manager.
The news of Mackanin’s firing comes as a surprise, as the club gave him a two-year contract extension in May. Philadelphia was not expected to pursue a managerial change this winter despite a last place finish in the NL East.
Mackanin, 66, has been at the helm of the Phillies since June 2015 when Ryne Sandberg stepped down. He was elevated from interim status at the end of the 2015 season and has posted a 172-237 overall record.
Philadelphia is the second team to announce a managerial change, joining the Tigers, who decided against retaining Brad Ausmus. The Mets and Braves are also considering making changes at the end of the season, with Terry Collins and Brian Snitker currently on the hot seat.