Don Mattingly Steps Down as Blue Jays Bench Coach After World Series Run

Don Mattingly has officially stepped down from his position as bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. His departure comes after a season in which the team advanced to the World Series, narrowly missing their first championship since 1993. The Blue Jays confirmed that they have exercised the contract option for manager John Schneider through 2026, signaling their commitment to stability following a strong performance in the 2024 season.

Mattingly, a former slugger with the New York Yankees and a two-time All-Star, joined the Blue Jays as bench coach in 2022. He took on the role of offensive coordinator before the 2024 season but returned to his original position at the end of that year. The decision to leave was influenced by his desire to spend more time with his family, according to general manager Ross Atkins.

“Don has been important to our success,” Atkins stated. “His impact has been significant, and I believe it will be lasting.” The general manager acknowledged the challenge of moving forward after losing a key figure in Mattingly.

In the 2024 postseason, the Blue Jays’ performance was marked by the return of infielder Bo Bichette, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury. Bichette made a notable impact, hitting a pivotal three-run homer in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite this, the Blue Jays lost the game 5-4 in extra innings, falling just short of clinching the title.

Atkins also confirmed that the Blue Jays extended a qualifying offer of $22,025,000 to Bichette for the 2026 season. However, he is expected to decline it, as the organization prepares for a competitive free agency period.

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are optimistic about their future under Schneider’s leadership. Atkins noted that Schneider has significantly improved the team’s performance, citing a remarkable 20-win improvement from the previous season. “He has been an unbelievable leader in this organization,” Atkins remarked, indicating discussions about extending Schneider’s contract beyond 2026.

Additionally, the Blue Jays have seen right-hander Shane Bieber exercise his $16 million option for 2026. Bieber, a former AL Cy Young Award winner, returned to the mound after recovering from Tommy John surgery, having been acquired from Cleveland during the previous season.

As the Blue Jays prepare for the upcoming season, Atkins emphasized a focus on improvement rather than significant changes to the coaching staff. “We’ll try to get better in any way that we can,” he stated, highlighting a commitment to building on their recent successes.

The departure of Mattingly marks the end of a chapter for the Blue Jays, who will now look to maintain momentum as they aim for a World Series title in the coming years. The organization remains dedicated to enhancing their roster and continuing to develop their talent, with Schneider at the helm.