Matt Klentak steps down as Phillies GM
Matt Klentak has stepped down as general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, the team announced Saturday.
Hired in 2015, Klentak was at the helm when the Phillies signed outfielder Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330-million contract in 2019 and traded prospects Sixto Sanchez and Jorge Alfaro to the Miami Marlins for J.T. Realmuto.
The Phillies did not reach the postseason during Klentak's tenure, which ultimately led to the change in the front office.
"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. "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."
Middleton later added that Andy MacPhail will remain president of baseball operations, according to Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. MacPhail has occupied that role since late 2015.
The shortened 2020 season went particularly sideways after the club hired experienced manager Joe Girardi to guide the ship. The Phillies were in a position to make the playoffs into the final week but ultimately finished with a 28-32 record while losing seven of their last eight games.
Despite coming up short in playoff appearances, players like Harper, Realmuto, and offseason addition Zack Wheeler all did their part in 2020. Harper hit .268/.420/.542 with 13 homers while Realmuto - a free agent this winter - hit .266/.349/.491 with 11 long balls and provided top notch defense behind the plate.
Wheeler, in the first of a five-year, $118-million contract, went 4-2 with a 2.92 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 11 starts.
Other notable acquisitions during Klentak's tenure include the signings of Jake Arrieta, Andrew McCutchen, and Didi Gregorius. He also traded for Jean Segura.
Star players Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins preceded Klentak's time with the organization. Though Klentak's first draft pick, Mickey Moniak (first overall in 2016), hasn't lived up to expectations, first-rounders Adam Haseley and Alec Bohm made contributions in 2020.
Klentak will remain with the organization in another position. Ned Rice has been named interim general manager.