Phillies Hire Carlos Mendoza as New Infield Coach Amid Coaching Changes
The Philadelphia Phillies have made significant changes to their coaching staff, filling one of two vacancies created by the firings of hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson. Carlos Mendoza, a former manager for the Mets and bench coach for the Yankees, has been hired as the new infield and third-base coach under manager Don Mattingly, who recently signed a two-year contract to lead the team.
Mendoza's appointment comes as the Phillies seek to improve their defensive performance, particularly with star player Trea Turner, who struggled defensively at shortstop last season. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski emphasized the need for Turner to show improvement, or he may be moved from his position. The team is also in search of a new hitting coach to enhance their offensive strategies, as they ranked 19th in runs last season.
Dombrowski noted that the new hitting coach should be adept at utilizing modern analytical tools and effectively communicating with both veteran and younger players. Long, who had been with the team since 2022, was well-regarded but was let go due to the team's offensive regression. The Phillies are now focused on finding a fresh voice to lead their hitting approach.
