Gabe Kapler's future as the Philadelphia Phillies skipper could be decided by his players.
Owner John Middleton has asked team members for input as his decision looms on whether or not to keep the manager for a third season, a source told Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A resolution is expected to come sometime this week, and general manager Matt Klentak has already vouched for Kapler, according to Breen.
Middleton is looking to see if the players back Kapler like they did publicly during the final week of the season, and if they do, the manager has a chance of holding onto his position, Breen added.
"It hasn't been his fault," star outfielder Bryce Harper said after the campaign ended.
"I expect to see him back here," added catcher J.T. Realmuto. "We feel like he's done a great job for us. He gets the guys to play hard. We all love playing for him. He’s been our manager all year and nobody's had anything to say about it."
Klentak, meanwhile, is not in danger of losing his job, a source told Breen last week.
The Phillies failed to make the playoffs after lofty expectations heading into 2019. The club brought in former MVPs Harper and Andrew McCutchen in free agency, and All-Stars Realmuto and Jean Segura through trades.
Philadelphia (81-81) finished with only one more win than last season despite the high-profile moves.
