New York Yankees legend and Toronto Blue Jays assistant coach Don Mattingly is unsure if he will retire or return to baseball next season.
Mattingly, who just finished his first season as Toronto’s bench coach, turns 65 next April. He’s spent nearly 50 years in professional baseball, though the Blue Jays’ World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers marked his first trip to the Fall Classic.
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“Tough time to talk about [retiring],” Mattingly told the New York Post after Toronto’s 11-inning Game 7 loss.
Mattingly and the Blue Jays came two outs shy of winning their first World Series title since 1993. However, the Dodgers rallied in the ninth inning and completed the comeback to become baseball’s first repeat champions since the 1998-2000 Yankees.
“Special, special group,” Mattingly added when discussing the Blue Jays. “I don’t think I’ve ever been [part of] a group quite like this, everything Schneids [Blue Jays manager John Schneider] created, and the group created.”
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It is unclear how many years Mattingly has remaining on his contract. He joined the Blue Jays as their bench coach ahead of the 2023 season and also served as an “offensive coordinator” in 2024, working with the team’s hitting and video staffs.
Fittingly, Mattingly’s potential final games came against the Dodgers, whom he managed from 2011 through 2014. Mattingly previously worked as the Dodgers’ bench coach from 2008 to 2010 under Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre.
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“Incredible year,” he said. “Incredible ride.”
What to Know About Blue Jays Coach and Yankees Legend Don Mattingly
Although Mattingly only reached the postseason once in a 14-year career, he remains one of the most celebrated modern-day Yankees. Mattingly hit .307 with 222 homers, 1,099 RBIs, 442 doubles, and an .830 OPS from 1982 through 1995. A nine-time Gold Glove winner, Mattingly won the 1985 AL MVP and earned six All-Star nods.
Mattingly’s 42.4 bWAR is tied with outfielder Charlie Keller for 20th-best among Yankees position players.
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The Yankees named Mattingly their captain in 1991 and retired his No. 23 in August 1997, less than two years after back injuries forced his early retirement. He remains the only Yankee whose number is retired despite not winning a World Series with the club.
Mattingly went 889-950 in 12 seasons managing the Dodgers and Miami Marlins. He is eligible for the Hall of Fame this winter via the Contemporary Baseball Era Player Ballot, which includes players from 1980 through today. Mattingly received eight votes in 2018, 2020, and 2023, but he needs at least 12 of 16 votes (75%) to earn induction.
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Major League Baseball won’t be without a Mattingly in 2026 even if “Donnie Baseball” retires. Mattingly’s son, Preston, is the Philadelphia Phillies’ general manager.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 2, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
