Phillies Promote Preston Mattingly Amid Executive Restructuring

Phillies Promote Preston Mattingly Amid Executive Restructuring \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Preston Mattingly, son of former Yankees star Don Mattingly, has been promoted to general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies under Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations. Sam Fuld, current GM, will transition to president of business operations in 2026 after completing his MBA. This move aligns with the Phillies’ long-term leadership succession plans.

Preston Mattingly’s GM Promotion Quick Looks

• Preston Mattingly, son of MLB legend Don Mattingly, was promoted to GM of the Phillies.
• Current GM Sam Fuld, pursuing an MBA at Wharton, will become president of business operations in 2026.
• Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, will mentor Mattingly as a potential successor.
• Mattingly’s background includes playing in the minors, college basketball leadership, and administrative roles with the Padres and Phillies.
• The Phillies also announced promotions for Luke Murton (director of player development) and Edwar Gonzalez (director of hitting development).
• Don Mattingly’s notable career includes being a six-time All-Star and managing two MLB teams.

Deep Look

Preston Mattingly’s elevation to general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies marks a pivotal moment for both him and the organization. The announcement comes as part of a broader restructuring plan designed to align the team’s leadership with its future vision. Mattingly, whose father Don Mattingly was a legendary New York Yankees first baseman and experienced MLB manager, will work alongside the current president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski.

This transition is particularly strategic given Dombrowski’s contract with the Phillies, which runs through 2027. Dombrowski’s seasoned leadership provides Mattingly with an invaluable learning opportunity over the next few seasons. Should Dombrowski opt to retire at the end of his contract, the team will have a well-prepared successor already within the ranks.

Sam Fuld, who has served as the Phillies’ general manager since December 2020, is set to maintain his GM responsibilities but with a shift in focus as he completes his MBA at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. This academic endeavor sets Fuld up for a significant transition into the president of business operations role, anticipated to commence upon his graduation in May 2026. Until then, Fuld and Mattingly will collaborate on GM duties, providing continuity within the team’s executive structure.

Fuld spoke about the evolution of his career path, stating, “I’ve always been interested in the business side of baseball. It’s always been compelling to me.” He noted that the opportunity emerged from conversations with Dombrowski and Phillies’ managing partner John Middleton. The trio discussed the short-, mid-, and long-term implications, ultimately concluding that Fuld’s shift to business operations would benefit both him and the organization.

This interim period, following the planned December retirement of Dave Buck, the current president of business operations, will see several key figures stepping in to handle the role’s responsibilities until Fuld is ready to assume the position.

Mattingly’s career trajectory showcases his deep commitment to baseball. From 2006 to 2011, he played in the minor leagues, experiencing the game firsthand before moving into leadership roles. Post-retirement, Mattingly attended Lamar University, where he captained the basketball team and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2016. His tenure with the San Diego Padres from 2017 to 2021 allowed him to cultivate his scouting and analytical expertise, culminating in his role as coordinator of major league advance scouting and game planning. In September 2021, he joined the Phillies as director of player development and was promoted to assistant GM of player development in 2022.

Reflecting on his promotion, Mattingly expressed both pride and excitement. “Honestly, I just love baseball. It means so much to me. It’s been my life since I was born,” he shared. “I was very excited to get to work with the people we have in the organization. They challenge you every single day and we all share the same vision of helping the Philadelphia Phillies achieve their ultimate goal, which is to win the World Series.”

The Phillies’ recent promotions reflect the organization’s emphasis on nurturing talent within its ranks. Alongside Mattingly’s elevation, Luke Murton has been promoted to director of player development, while Edwar Gonzalez has taken on the role of director of hitting development. These moves underscore the Phillies’ strategic approach to fostering a cohesive and forward-thinking leadership team.

Dombrowski’s praise for both Mattingly and Fuld emphasized their unique qualifications. “They’re outstanding in every respect. We have a good relationship between all of us and really, you kind of look towards the future and say, ‘Well, how will this all work out?’” Dombrowski said. His remarks highlight the Phillies’ comprehensive succession plan that is designed to maintain continuity and excellence in leadership.

Preston Mattingly’s promotion brings a legacy full circle. His father, Don Mattingly, earned six All-Star selections during his playing career from 1982 to 1995 with the Yankees. Don Mattingly’s leadership skills transitioned seamlessly into his managerial stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2011–2015) and the Miami Marlins (2016–2022). The Mattingly family’s connection to baseball runs deep, adding an element of heritage to Preston Mattingly’s new role within the Phillies’ organization.

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