Mattingly leaves Jays; Schneider to return in ’26 (0:53)Mattingly leaves Jays; Schneider to return in ’26 (0:53)
TORONTO — Don Mattingly is leaving his role as bench coach of the Toronto Blue Jays, who exercised manager John Schneider’s contract option for 2026 after coming within one victory of their first World Series title since 1993.
Mattingly joined the Blue Jays following the 2022 season as bench coach to Schneider. The former New York Yankees slugger and six-time All-Star became Toronto’s offensive coordinator before the 2024 season but returned to his role as bench coach at the end of that year.
Atkins said Mattingly left his role after reaching his first World Series because of a desire to spend more time with his family.
“He’s had a significant [impact] and I feel like it will be lasting,” Atkins said. “It’s something that we have to deal with in the game. We have to figure out a way to continue to improve even when we have a significant loss.”
Atkins said Schneider had been unbelievable in his third full season as manager, overseeing a 20-win improvement from 2024.
Schneider was interim manager from July 13, 2022, until the end of that season after being promoted from bench coach to replace Charlie Montoyo.
“We’ll just try to get better,” Atkins said. “No proactive subtractions or significant changes in roles but we’ll try to get better in any way that we can.”
Toronto also made a $22,025,000 qualifying offer for 2026 to free agent infielder Bo Bichette. The two-time All-Star shortstop and AL hits leader is expected to reject it.
Toronto pitchers Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer are both free agents. Scherzer started Game 7 of the World Series while Bassitt pitched in that game in relief.
Mattingly leaves Jays; Schneider to return in ’26 (0:53)Mattingly leaves Jays; Schneider to return in ’26 (0:53)
Atkins said he did not expect additional changes to Toronto’s coaching staff.
“He’s been important,” general manager Ross Atkins said Thursday. “We will be in his market.”
Toronto has already seen right-hander Shane Bieber exercise his $16 million option for 2026.
Mattingly leaves Jays; Schneider to return in ’26 (0:53)