Don Mattingly is the closest thing to an institution with the Miami Marlins. Now, like everything else in the history of the franchise, he is leaving as well.
As reported by Craig Mish and Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald, Mattingly and the Marlins will be parting ways by mutual accord. He is slated to finish out the year before looking for his next opportunity.
Don Mattingly leaves mixed legacy with Miami Marlins
The Marlins have not exactly been good throughout most of Mattingly’s tenure. He may be the winningest manager in team history, but his 437-583 record is not something to write home about. Of course, that record is not entirely due to Mattingly as the Marlins jettisoned most of their top talent prior to the 2018 season when the current ownership group took over.
There have been some highlights in his time in Miami. The Marlins finished second in the division in 2017 before the fire sale. He also guided the Marlins to the postseason in the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, the only winning season of his time at the helm. Mattingly won the NL Manager of the Year award for that season and brought the Marlins into the second round.
Chances are that, if Mattingly still wants to manage, he will have opportunities. He did have success with the Dodgers after all, reaching the playoffs three times as he was at the helm during the beginning of their run in the NL West. Teams that think they are close to the postseason could have interest in his services.
For the Marlins, this is just another item on their checklist. They still need to find a center fielder and upgrade the bullpen at minimum. Now, they have to add a manager to that list as they look to finally contend once more.
The Miami Marlins are making a move at the manager position. Don Mattingly is leaving at the end of the year by mutual agreement.