Preston Mattingly, the son of former baseball star Don Mattingly, has been promoted to the position of general manager for the Philadelphia Phillies. He will be working under president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who praised Mattingly’s abilities and expressed confidence in his potential to lead the team in the future. Mattingly, who previously played in the minor leagues and worked for the San Diego Padres, expressed his excitement and passion for baseball, stating that it has been a significant part of his life since he was born.
Sam Fuld, who has been serving as the GM for the Phillies since December 2020, will now share the GM duties with Mattingly. However, Fuld is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and will transition to the role of president of business operations upon completing his degree in 2026. This strategic move ensures a smooth succession plan within the organization, with Dombrowski mentoring Mattingly for three seasons before a potential retirement.
Mattingly’s journey to becoming a general manager includes stints in the minor leagues, collegiate basketball, and various roles within Major League Baseball organizations. His experience with player development and scouting has prepared him for the responsibilities of the new role. Meanwhile, Fuld’s interest in the business side of baseball led to discussions about transitioning to a leadership position in business operations, following his graduation and the retirement of the current president of business operations, Dave Buck.
The Phillies also announced two other promotions within the baseball operations department. Luke Murton was promoted to director of player development, while Edwar Gonzalez was promoted to director of hitting development. These organizational changes reflect the team’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. With a strong leadership team in place, the Phillies aim to work towards their ultimate goal of winning the World Series, as shared by Mattingly and his colleagues.
The Mattingly-Fuld partnership under Dombrowski’s guidance signifies the Phillies’ focus on succession planning and building a sustainable leadership structure for the future. Dombrowski expressed confidence in Mattingly’s potential to lead the team for years to come, highlighting his abilities and dedication to the sport. With the support of a seasoned executive like Dombrowski and the opportunity to learn and grow within the organization, Mattingly’s tenure as general manager holds promising prospects for the team’s success on and off the field.
As the Phillies gear up for the upcoming seasons, the new leadership team will be tasked with making strategic decisions to strengthen the roster and drive the organization towards its championship aspirations. With Mattingly and Fuld at the helm, along with other key promotions in the baseball operations department, the team is poised for a new era of growth and development. The legacy of Don Mattingly, a former All-Star player and successful manager, adds a layer of baseball tradition and expertise to the Phillies organization as they navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
