In what is being described as a mutual agreement between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Don Mattingly, the two will part ways, following another lackluster post-season run.
Mattingly was lauded for his ability to handle a $300M clubhouse, filled with egos and type-a personalities, but his in-game decisions sometimes left fans and analysts scratching their heads. Ultimately his lack of playoff success might have done him in. Despite winning three straight NL West titles (a feat no other Dodgers manager has accomplished) there was speculation that if the Dodgers didn’t at least make it to the 2015 World Series, it might signal the end for Mattingly. Losing in the first round to the New York Mets probably didn’t help.
Sources claim that Mattingly and the front office got along very well, and reports say that LA even offered him an extension (Mattingly had one year remaining on his contract). But just a general lack of long-term uncertainty led to the parting of ways. The Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals have head coaching vacancies that could be a final landing spot for Mattingly. There is no word on who the Dodgers might have their eye on to fill the vacancy.