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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
Peter Fatse to Take Over as Phillies Hitting Coach
The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to welcome Peter Fatse as their new hitting coach, according to a report from The Athletic. Fatse steps into the role with the responsibility of addressing the team's recent offensive inconsistencies and boom-or-bust hitting tendencies, which have plagued the club over the past few seasons.
Background: The Search for a Kevin Long Replacement
Fatse replaces Kevin Long, who, along with infield coach Bobby Dickerson, was let go earlier this month. The move comes as the Phillies attempt to regroup after another disappointing postseason run, marked by a quick exit in a Wild Card series loss to the Atlanta Braves. Long's tenure was marked by fan frustration over the team's struggles at the plate, especially in critical moments.
Fatse's Career with the Boston Red Sox
Prior to joining the Phillies, Peter Fatse was the hitting coach for the Boston Red Sox under manager Alex Cora. During several seasons with Boston, Fatse's offenses typically ranked respectably in traditional hitting categories:
- 2022: .258 AVG (3rd), .321 OBP (6th), .409 SLG (9th)
- 2023: .258 AVG (6th), .324 OBP (13th), .424 SLG (9th)
- 2024: .252 AVG (6th), .319 OBP (9th), .423 SLG (6th)
- 2025: .254 AVG (4th), .324 OBP (8th), .421 SLG (9th)
However, the 2026 season saw a sharp drop in performance for Boston (.233 AVG, 19th in MLB) and led to Fatse’s firing, alongside Cora, just 27 games into the team's 10-17 start.
Phillies' Ongoing Offensive Drought
The Phillies have boasted strong starting pitching in recent years but have consistently struggled with offensive production, bullpen reliability, and defensive execution. Despite hopes that new coaching could address these issues, the lackluster performance of the Phillies' bats has been a persistent concern. The team’s reliance on veteran hitters with little plate discipline or consistency has often led to offensive droughts at crucial times.
A New Era Under Don Mattingly and Fatse
Fatse will be joining a new-look Phillies staff under manager Don Mattingly, who was recently retained as the team’s full-time manager. The team has also added Carlos Mendoza as the infield and third-base coach. Together, the new coaches face the challenge of changing the approach of a veteran lineup and steering the club back toward World Series contention.
Task Ahead for Peter Fatse
As the new Phillies hitting coach, Fatse is tasked with developing a smarter, more disciplined offense. With the organization banking on coaching changes to address long-standing weaknesses at the plate, all eyes will be on whether Fatse can bring lasting improvements to the Phillies’ offense and help the team advance further in the postseason.
Source: phillyvoice.com.
