Phillies reportedly hiring Peter Fatse as new hitting coach, joining Carlos Mendoza on Don Mattingly's staff

The Philadelphia Phillies have bolstered their coaching staff by hiring Peter Fatse as the team’s new hitting coach, adding to Don Mattingly’s already impressive roster of talent, according to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic.

Fatse, who is 39 years old, will be replacing Kevin Long, who was recently dismissed following the Phillies’ playoff exit at the hands of the Atlanta Braves in the wild-card round. Long had been with the organization since 2022, serving under Joe Girardi, Rob Thomson, and Mattingly during his tenure.

The Phillies’ performance on the field has been a cause for concern, as they ranked 12th in the National League (and 21st in MLB) in team batting average and 11th in runs scored per plate appearance. Several key players, including Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, and Alec Bohm, posted some of their worst statistical seasons in recent memory.

Before a season-ending lat muscle tear sidelined him, Adolis Garcia also struggled, posting a career-worst .195/.270.329 slash line. Fatse spent much of the previous season working as a hitting consultant for the Tampa Bay Rays’ research and development group, having been let go by the Boston Red Sox earlier in the year when manager Alex Cora was dismissed.

Fatse began his career with the Red Sox in 2022, initially serving as an assistant hitting coach before being promoted to his current role. During his four seasons in that position, the Red Sox consistently finished among the league’s top 10 in team batting average and OPS. Fatse is now the second addition made to Mattingly’s coaching staff, following the recent hiring of Carlos Mendoza, who was promoted to third-base coach and infield coach, replacing Bobby Dickerson, who was reassigned.