The Philadelphia Phillies named Peter Fatse their hitting coach Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, and hired Joe Cronin as an assistant hitting coach. Edwar Gonzalez will remain on the Phillies staff as an assistant hitting coach. Fatse most recently worked as a hitting consultant for the Tampa Bay Rays, a role he began in June.
Before joining the Rays, Fatse served as the Boston Red Sox hitting coach for parts of five seasons from 2022 to 2026. He replaces Kevin Long, who was fired at the end of the season. The Phillies announced the change after reaching the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
Phillies change hitting staff
Cronin will join Fatse and Gonzalez in the Phillies’ hitting group. The move adds a new hitting coach and assistant while retaining Gonzalez in his current role. Philadelphia made the change after its season ended with an elimination by the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series.
Phillies manager Don Mattingly said Fatse’s communication and collaborative approach were important factors in the decision. “I am very excited to add Pete to our staff,” Mattingly said. “He has a track record of being a great communicator who prioritizes collaboration, and we truly feel that with his skill set and approach, he is a great fit for the organization.” Mattingly identified Fatse as a strong fit for the organization.
FSB Take
Philadelphia is changing its hitting leadership while keeping Gonzalez on the staff as an assistant hitting coach. The Phillies are also adding Cronin to a group led by Fatse, who has recent experience with both the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. The changes follow a fifth consecutive playoff appearance and the departure of Long at the end of the season.
Source: Original report