Even though the team missed out on the postseason, the Philadelphia Phillies aren’t making changes in the front office.
Philadelphia Phillies fans thought this season was going to be different. With a new manager in Joe Girardi and two huge free agent acquisitions, the Phillies failed to make the MLB postseason, even though it was limited to 60-games. Considering that many of the Philly faithful wanted to see some changes this upcoming winter, but they’ll be disappointed to find out that that’s likely not happening.
A team source told Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer that they believe the Phillies will retain general manager Matt Klentak. However, this isn’t coming from owner John Middleton, so Klentak’s job isn’t exactly lock-solid as of this writing.
Klentak’s big money spent hasn’t led to success
Klentak’s name has been in the rumor mill this past week, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the general manager was on the hot seat and could be fired if the Phillies don’t make a deep playoff run. That obviously didn’t happen, which makes it a bit surprising that his job is safe (for now).
Back in 2015, the Phillies hired Klentak after spending four years as an assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Angels. Since arriving at the City of Brotherly Love, Klentak let it be known that he’s not shy from handing out big checks to premier free agents. In 2018, the Phillies signed former Chicago Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta to a three-year, $75 million contract. Prior to the start of the 2019 season, Klentak secured the services of outfielder Bryce Harper at the steep price of $300 million and traded for stud catcher J.T. Realmuto. Then this past winter, the Phillies signed former New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius and Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler.
Despite all of those hefty contracts, the Phillies never made it to the playoffs. While they were in contention the final day of the regular-season, they missed out on the final spot after they were shutout 5-0 by the Tampa Bay Rays. Now, the Phillies have to find a way to re-sign Realmuto and Gregorius this offseason to prevent them from joining other squads, which will be no easy feat.
While the team source tells Brookover that Klentak’s job is safe, it’s best to wait until you hear the news come from Middleton’s mouth.