After a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays have lost a key piece of their coaching staff ahead of the next season.
The Blue Jays came within inches of securing their first World Series win since 1993, falling just short in the decisive Game 7 against the Dodgers. Despite this tough loss, Toronto received some positive news recently when star pitcher Shane Bieber opted into his contract for the upcoming season.
However, the team will be without their bench coach Don Mattingly moving forward. With his contract expiring, Mattingly has chosen to part ways with the Blue Jays, according to reports from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman.
“Don Mattingly has decided to step away from his Blue Jays bench coach job, but not with the intention of retiring from baseball, the Post has learned,” Heyman and Sherman reported on Thursday.
Mattingly had been with Toronto for three seasons, brought on to help mentor John Schneider, who was promoted to Toronto manager in 2022 as a first-time manager. A source within the organization said that with the team’s success—winning the AL East and reaching Game 7 of the World Series—Mattingly felt his mission was accomplished.
Mattingly expressed gratitude to the Blue Jays’ front office for entrusting him with responsibility and shared a close connection with Schneider, who grew up in Livingston, New Jersey, and was a Yankee fan who admired Mattingly during his playing days.
An MLB legend, Mattingly enjoyed a 14-season playing career highlighted by six All-Star appearances and an MVP award with the New York Yankees. Now 64 years old, he brings 22 seasons of experience as a manager and coach. In 2020, Mattingly was named NL Manager of the Year while leading the Miami Marlins.
Notably, the Blue Jays’ recent World Series run marked the first time Mattingly reached the Fall Classic in any capacity—whether as a player or coach—across his 36 professional baseball seasons.
As Toronto’s bench coach, Mattingly played a key role in easing Schneider into his managerial responsibilities. Looking ahead, Mattingly may pursue another managerial opportunity this offseason. While most MLB managerial roles are currently filled, the Colorado Rockies remain the only team with an open position.
The Blue Jays will undoubtedly miss having an MLB legend like Mattingly on their coaching staff as they prepare for the season ahead.
https://www.newsweek.com/blue-jays-coach-yankees-legend-stepping-away-after-world-series-loss-11004852
