With one of baseball’s greatest records since Don Mattingly took over as manager, the Philadelphia Phillies are solidifying their hold on the National League postseason picture and becoming a serious World Series contender.
Although the team’s comeback has received most of the attention in Philadelphia, Mattingly’s prior position as a bench coach with the American League pennant-winning team was brought to light during a recent series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Additionally, Mattingly offered a message to a former Blue Jays player who has been having difficulty adjusting to his new home as he thought back on the devastating Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in last year’s Fall Classic.
Toronto Blue Jays Former Franchise Shortstop Bo Bichette Struggles With New York Mets
After leaving the Blue Jays and signing a huge contract with the New York Mets, Bo Bichette came into 2026 with high expectations. However, as his new team continues to strive for stability, the seasoned shortstop has come under increasing scrutiny rather than leading the Mets to a certain postseason trip.
Even if Bichette’s performance at the bat has been a little disappointing, most people seem to agree that he has the ability to change things.
Regarding Bichette’s first season with the Mets for amNY, Joe Pantorno wrote, “This is not a veteran bat that has simply forgotten how to hit.” “Bichette has
a career average of.294 and batted.311 with the Toronto Blue Jays last season. However, he is in a lineup that hasn’t been at full strength for the majority of the season—Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor switched positions on the injured list due to strained calf injuries—and it makes sense that the pressure in a new, larger city has increased due to the barrage of losses.
Philadelphia Phillies Skipper Don Matting Sends Bo Bichette Message After Toronto Blue Jays Finale
Mattingly, who mentored Bichette while he was a member of the Blue Jays organization, seems to share that viewpoint.
According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, Mattingly stated this week, “I’ve known Bo a long time.”
Additionally, Mattingly delivered a four-word message of unwavering support while Bichette battles to continue being effective with the Phillies’ division foe.
Mattingly continued, “I still like him.”
Mattingly focused on Bichette’s greater body of performance, which made him one of the American League’s most productive young hitters during his time in Toronto, rather than his recent setbacks.
The remarks also demonstrate Mattingly’s regard for many of the players he collaborated with while he was a member of the Blue Jays organization prior to taking over in Philadelphia. If Mattingly stays on and Bichette chooses to opt out of his Mets contract, it might not be too unrealistic to see the two getting back together in Philadelphia.
