The Los Angeles Dodgers and manager Don Mattingly mutually agreed to part ways, the club announced Thursday. Official word came from the Dodgers hours after reports of Mattingly not returning as manager began to surface.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Farhan Zaidi and senior vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes met with Mattingly for several days after the club suffered another first-round playoff exit.
It was in the process of those discussions that an agreement to go separate ways was reached. “As our end-of-season process began, we discussed the past year, our future goals, necessary changes, roster needs and other matters relating to next year’s campaign,” Friedman said in a statement.
“As the dialogue progressed daily, it evolved to a point where we all agreed that it might be best for both sides to start fresh. We decided to think about it for a couple of days and when we spoke again, we felt comfortable that this was the direction to go. I have the utmost respect for Donnie and thoroughly enjoyed working with him this past season.”
Mattingly guided the Dodgers to three consecutive National League West division titles, which was a first in franchise history. Los Angeles also won at least 90 games in three straight seasons for the first time since 1976-78.
“I’ve enjoyed my experiences and relationships with the organization’s staff and players throughout my eight years in L.A. After meeting with Andrew, Farhan and Josh, we all felt that a fresh start would be good for both the organization and me,” Mattingly said.
“We talked about several scenarios, including my returning in 2016. However, I believe this is the right time and right move for both parties.” Mattingly added he remains passionate about managing.
It was reported multiple weeks ago the Miami Marlins were said to have interest in Mattingly, and that’s believed to still be the case. Mattingly went 446-363 in his five seasons as manager of the Dodgers, increasing the club’s win total in each of the first four seasons.
