Philadelphia Phillies: Matt Klentak out as general manager

In the wake of yet another disappointing season, the Philadelphia Phillies have decided to replace general manager Matt Klentak.

The past three years have been a major disappointment for the Philadelphia Phillies. They had overhauled the roster in quest of the playoffs, signing high priced free agents such as Bryce Harper and Zack Wheeler. J.T. Realmuto was acquired in a trade, a win-now move that panned out on the stat sheet, but not in the standings.

On Saturday, the Phillies decided more change was needed. General manager Matt Klentak as been removed from his position, and will be reassigned within the organization.

In Klentak’s four years at the helm, the Phillies have not had much in the way of consistency. Three different managers have piloted the ship, with just one season where they reached .500. The Phillies had a .467 winning percentage in that time, with a 255-291 record in those four seasons.

While signing Harper and Wheeler, and trading for Realmuto, worked out, there were other moves that led to Klentak’s downfall. Signing Jake Arrieta to his three year deal was a disaster. Seemingly nothing that he did with the bullpen worked, as his constant overhauls produced worse results as time went on.

Ultimately, that was what did Klentak in – his inability to supplement Aaron Nola in the rotation and find a major league caliber bullpen. He certainly tried, making three trades for relievers during the year in a desperate attempt to be a part of the expanded postseason. But even with eight teams making the playoffs, the Phillies just could not get over the hump.

Whoever ends up taking over from Klentak will come in to a team at a crossroads. Realmuto, Arrieta, and Didi Gregorius, amongst others, are free agents. The Phillies would like to keep Realmuto, but he may get a contract beyond what they are comfortable with. The rotation and bullpen continue to be a dumpster fire. A lot of pieces are needed if Philadelphia is going to contend once again.

This time, it will not be Matt Klentak who is picking the pieces to try to make that happen. After four disappointing years, he has been reassigned within the organization.