According to Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the front office saw enough potential in Thomson and his team to reward them with this long-term deal. And hey, leading the team to a NL East title is no small feat. So let's give credit where credit is due, shall we?

But let's be real here, we all know that Philly fans can be passionate and sometimes, well, a little too passionate. And with a new contract, there's bound to be some skeptics out there.

First off, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Yes, the Phillies may have had a disappointing end to their season, but let's not forget the progress they made this year. From finishing third in the division last season to becoming NL East champs.

Now, some of you may be wondering why the front office is extending the contract through 2026 when the current deal doesn't expire until 2025. Well, it's called planning ahead. And let's be honest, with the way this team is trending, they could very well be World Series for the next couple of years. And having a stable and experienced leader like Thomson in the dugout will only increase their chances.

But let's not forget about the rest of the coaching staff. It's not often you see an entire coaching staff being brought back for another season, and that speaks volumes about the trust and confidence the front office has in them. And let's not forget, this group helped turn the Phillies into a playoff team after a nine-year postseason drought. So you could say they know what they're doing.

Now, we know that Philly fans are all about the future, and rightfully so. But let's take a moment to appreciate what this team has accomplished this season. It may not have ended the way we wanted, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. And with Thomson at the helm for the long haul, there's no telling how far this team can go.

So let's raise a cheesesteak (or your drink of choice) to Thomson and the coaching staff. Here's to many more successful seasons with them leading the way. And who knows, maybe next year we'll be celebrating a World Series title. Hey, we can dream, right?

But in all seriousness, this contract extension is great news for the Phillies and their fans. It shows that the front office is committed to building a winning team and that they have faith in Thomson and his coaching staff. So let's all take a deep breath, wipe away those tears, and get ready for another exciting season of Phillies baseball. Go Phillies!