Don Mattingly Reflects on Time with Blue Jays

Don Mattingly had a sense for a while that his tenure in Toronto was drawing to a close. Recently, while attending an event at MLB’s flagship store in Manhattan, he shared that he had been requested to depart from the Blue Jays and was “close to making a decision before the season even started.”

“I had a pretty good feeling this was going to be my last season in Toronto,” Mattingly explained. “It was a great experience. The organization and the fans were amazing. Looking back, I can’t imagine it being much better than that.”

Reports have surfaced indicating that Mattingly is open to returning to a managerial role, provided the circumstances are right. However, he’s also mindful of balancing baseball duties with family time. “When I think about it, I say to myself, ‘I never want to go on tour,'” he mentioned, adding that feelings can change over time. “It’s a juggling act—family comes first, but I also deeply enjoy being part of the game.”

After a long career managing the Dodgers and Marlins, Mattingly is considering the prospect of stepping back into the captain’s chair again. Yet, he’s clear that he wouldn’t take on the role with the Rockies, which he views as a rebuilding situation better suited for someone younger and full of energy.

When asked specifically about his future with the Yankees—his long-time team—Mattingly sidestepped the question, saying he prefers to take a moment to contemplate his next move.

“Right now, I just want to sit back and think about what I want to do,” he reflected.

Mattingly, now 64 years old, has completed three seasons as the Blue Jays’ bench coach. His contract ended following Toronto’s defeat to the Dodgers in the World Series, where he had been asked to help mentor first-time manager John Schneider back in 2022.