The Philadelphia Phillies announced Saturday that general manager Matt Klentak has been demoted after five years of running the team’s front office.
The Phillies said Klentak “stepped down” and will be reassigned to another position in the organization.
“I have stated publicly that winning is what matters, not just in Philadelphia but in all cities and in all sports,” Phillies managing partner John Middleton said in a release. “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 took over in the Phillies’ front office in October 2015 at 35 years old after working as assistant GM for the Los Angeles Angels for four seasons. In five seasons with Philadelphia, Klentak never organized a team that finished above .500, or higher than third in the National League East Division.
The Phillies had a chance to make the expanded playoff field this season, but lost seven of their last eight games and finished 10th in the NL with a 28-32 mark.
“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,” Klentak said in a statement.
The Phillies last reached MLB’s postseason in 2011.
With Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto in the middle of the lineup, the Phillies had enough offense this season, finishing fourth in the NL with 306 runs.
But the bullpen cratered any postseason hopes. The Phillies had a 7.06 ERA from the bullpen, and relievers blew more saves (14) than they converted (11).
Assistant GM Ned Rice was appointed to serve as the interim GM until a permanent successor is hired.
