Categories: 2020 OffseasonNews

Matt Klentak steps down as Phillies GM

The Phillies announced Saturday that Matt Klentak has stepped down from his role as general manager. He will be reassigned to another position within the organization. Ned Rice will serve as the interim GM “until a permanent successor is hired to oversee the team’s Baseball Operations.”

Matt Klentak was let go as the GM of the Phillies. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire)

Klentak was hired following the 2015 season after the Phillies fired former GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

In the five seasons in which Klentak was GM, the Phillies went 326-382. His biggest moves came prior to the 2019 season, when he signed Andrew McCutchen, David Robertson and Bryce Harper in free agency and acquired Jean Segura and star catcher J.T. Realmuto in trades. But Klentak’s acquisitions that offseason have failed to work out thus far, as the Phillies have gone just 109-113 in the last two seasons.

“I have stated publicly that winning is what matters, not just in Philadelphia but in all cities and in all sports,” said Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton in a press release Saturday. “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.”

“While I am disappointed that we failed to reach our ultimate goal, I am nevertheless very proud of the progress that this organization made over the last five years and of the people who worked so hard to make it happen,” said Klentak. “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.”

More details to come on this story as it develops.

Jonny Heller contributed to this report.