In a move that signals both continuity and fresh direction, the Philadelphia Phillies announced the promotion of Preston Mattingly to general manager on Friday, under the leadership of president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. The 37-year-old Mattingly, son of legendary former Yankees first baseman and manager Don Mattingly, takes the helm as the team’s new GM, succeeding Sam Fuld, who will transition to a new role once he completes his MBA.
The move comes as Fuld, who had served as the Phillies’ GM since December 2020, is preparing to pursue his Master of Business Administration degree at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Fuld will remain GM until May 2026, when he receives his degree, at which point he will shift gears to become the Phillies’ president of business operations.
For now, Fuld and Mattingly will share GM duties, with Fuld continuing to oversee the team’s business side while Mattingly takes charge of baseball operations. This arrangement provides a unique opportunity for Mattingly to step into a leadership role while working alongside Fuld during a critical time in the franchise’s competitive window.
A New Chapter for Mattingly
Preston Mattingly’s rise to GM is a testament to his hard work and diverse background in the game. The son of one of baseball’s most iconic figures, Mattingly’s path to the top of the Phillies’ front office has been anything but conventional. While his father, Don Mattingly, earned six All-Star selections and was a fixture at first base for the New York Yankees during his playing career, Preston has built his own reputation as a savvy executive with a wealth of experience in player development and advance scouting.
Mattingly’s playing career, which spanned from 2006 to 2011, took him through the minor leagues, where he honed his skills before transitioning into a leadership role in baseball operations. After retiring from playing, he attended Lamar University, where he captained the basketball team and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2016. His education and well-rounded experience helped him transition seamlessly into the front office.
From 2017 to 2021, Mattingly worked for the San Diego Padres, where he progressed from a coordinator of major league advance scouting and game planning to a key contributor in the club’s player development efforts. His time with the Padres, a team known for its innovative approach to scouting and development, helped shape his understanding of the game’s evolving landscape.
In 2021, Mattingly joined the Phillies as director of player development and was quickly promoted to assistant GM of player development just one year later. His extensive background in scouting and player development made him an ideal candidate to take over as GM, as the Phillies continue to build a championship-caliber roster around stars like Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Zack Wheeler.
Mattingly’s Vision for the Phillies
As the new GM of the Phillies, Mattingly inherits a team on the rise. The Phillies made it to the World Series in 2022, and with a core of established stars and promising young talent, they are firmly positioned as one of the top contenders in the National League. Mattingly’s primary focus will likely be on continuing to develop the team’s young talent while making the necessary moves to strengthen their chances for sustained success in the future.
Working alongside Dombrowski, one of the most accomplished executives in baseball, Mattingly will have the opportunity to shape the team’s roster, both through player development and targeted acquisitions. The Phillies have an established foundation, but they will need to remain active in free agency and the trade market to keep pace with other National League powerhouses like the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute to this organization in a greater capacity,” said Mattingly in a statement. “The Phillies are built for success, and I’m looking forward to continuing to help this team grow, both on the field and in the front office.”
Fuld’s Transition and Future Role
As for Sam Fuld, his transition to the role of president of business operations in 2026 represents a shift in focus from the baseball side of things to the financial and organizational aspects of the Phillies’ business. Fuld’s tenure as GM saw the team make key moves in player acquisitions and player development, and his leadership was instrumental in helping the Phillies reach the postseason in 2021 and 2022.
Fuld’s decision to pursue an MBA at Wharton reflects his ambition to expand his skill set and contribute to the organization in a new way. As president of business operations, he will oversee the business side of the Phillies, including sponsorships, marketing, and overall strategic direction.
“We’re proud of Sam’s work as our GM, and we fully support his decision to further his education,” said Dombrowski. “When he completes his MBA, Sam will play a key role in the continued growth of our business operations.”
Changes in Player Development Leadership
In addition to Mattingly’s promotion, the Phillies also made adjustments in their player development department. Luke Murton has been promoted to director of player development, while Edwar Gonzalez takes on the role of director of hitting development. These moves indicate a continued focus on the development of young talent, which is crucial for a team that has seen a mix of veteran stars and emerging prospects making an impact at the major league level.
The Phillies have a solid pipeline of prospects in their system, and these new leadership roles in player development signal that the team is prioritizing long-term growth as well as short-term success.
A Legacy in the Making
For Preston Mattingly, taking the reins as GM of the Philadelphia Phillies is both an exciting opportunity and a continuation of his family’s legacy in baseball. While his father, Don, was known for his skills on the field and as a manager, Preston has built his own path in the front office, demonstrating his ability to lead and innovate.
As the Phillies look to continue their success and build a championship-caliber team, Mattingly’s leadership will be critical in navigating the challenges ahead. With a strong foundation in place, the promotion of Mattingly, coupled with Fuld’s upcoming transition, sets the stage for a new era in Philadelphia Phillies baseball—a blend of tradition, innovation, and a shared vision for sustained excellence.
What’s Next for the Phillies?
With the offseason looming, all eyes will be on Mattingly and the Phillies’ front office as they look to make strategic moves to bolster their roster. Mattingly’s deep experience in player development and scouting will undoubtedly shape the team’s approach to both free agency and the farm system. If the Phillies continue to build on their success under his leadership, the next few years could be pivotal for a franchise that is eager to return to championship glory.
