Phillies: Matt Klentak steps down as general manager

Matt Klentak will not return as the Phillies general manager in 2021

After long speculation, there is finally some clarity as it relates to the Philadelphia Phillies front office for the 2021 season.

The Phillies announced on Saturday that Matt Klentak has stepped down as their general manager; he will be reassigned to another position in the organization. Ned Rice will serve as interim general manager “until a permanent successor is hired to oversee the team’s Baseball Operations,” the organization  announced in its press release.

The Phils hired Klentak in October 2015 to replace Ruben Amaro Jr. in the role. Klentak joined the organization after serving as the Los Angeles Angels’ assistant GM for four seasons. It is not clear what exact role Klentak will have with the Phillies moving forward.

“I have stated publicly that winning is what matters, not just in Philadelphia but in all cities and in all sports,” Managing Partner John Middleton said. “While Matt made many significant contributions to the organization, we did not accomplish our goal of playing baseball in October. Consequently, we have mutually agreed to allow new leadership to head Baseball Operations.”

Klentak said in a statement that while he is disappointed the Phils failed to reach their “ultimate goal,” he is “very proud of the progress” the organization has made during his tenure.

“I am grateful for all of the support that I received along the way from Phillies ownership, friends and colleagues, and our loyal Phillies fans,” Klentak added.

This season, Phils failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2011 — falling a game short of the eighth seed. The Milwaukee Brewers instead captured the last postseason spot in the National League, and fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card Series.

Klentak stepping down surely is the first of many moves for the Phillies this offseason.