After a pair of mediocre seasons under an unseasoned manager, the Phillies are turning to one of the most experienced leaders on the market to take the next step.
Joe Girardi has been hired to replace Gabe Kapler in Philadelphia, MLB.com first reported Thursday morning. An official announcement could come later in the day.
The 55-year-old former Yankees and Marlins manager had emerged as the "clear favorite" for the job in recent days, according to multiple reports.
Girardi, who has been serving as an analyst for Fox Sports' coverage of the MLB postseason, also interviewed for the Mets and Cubs jobs. He has spent the last two seasons on the sideline after the Yankees declined to renew his contract following a 2017 ALCS loss to the eventual champion Astros, but had been open about his desire to return to managing.
He had been slated to lead Team USA in a qualifying tournament for the 2020 Olympics next month but backed out last week to concentrate on interviewing for MLB openings.
Girardi has a career record of 988-794 (.554) in 11 seasons and led the Yankees to a World Series title in 2009.
The Phillies went 81-81 in 2019, Kapler's second season, despite loading up last winter, most notably in signing Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million contract.
Philadelphia hasn't made the playoffs since 2011, which was the last in a string of five consecutive postseason appearances that included a World Series championship in 2008.
