The Philadelphia Phillies‘ search for a new general manager is reportedly over, as the team is expected to hire Matt Klentak.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported Klentak’s hiring. ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick confirmed the move.
The Phillies were in the market for a general manager after announcing Sept. 10 they would not be renewing the contract of Ruben Amaro Jr., who had been in charge since November 2008.
Andy MacPhail, who is entering his first offseason with the Phillies as president of baseball operations, said when the search for a new general manager started the organization wanted to cast a big net to ensure it brought in the best person for the job, per Jack McCaffery of the Delaware County Daily Times:
I would think it would be a mistake if we pigeon-hole ourselves into saying, “We’re going to go for young analytics,” or “We’re going to go for an experienced baseball guy.” I see that out there with other clubs. Why would you restrict your ability to talk to whoever you want? I think you have a responsibility, like I said two months ago, to look at everything.
Klentak previously worked with MacPhail in Baltimore. He spent the past four seasons as assistant general manager with the Los Angeles Angels under Jerry Dipoto, even interviewing for their GM vacancy after Dipoto resigned in July.
A new era of Phillies baseball has arrived, with many reasons to be optimistic despite a 63-99 record in 2015. They were able to integrate young, promising talent like Aaron Nola and Maikel Franco into the big leagues this season.
There should be more high-upside talent on the way, led by shortstop J.P. Crawford, and a front office led by MacPhail and Klentak that can shape the roster in its image with the winter meetings approaching in December.
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