Don Mattingly leaving Blue Jays after World Series heartbreak

Don Mattingly has decided to step away from his Blue Jays bench coach job, but not with the intention of retiring from baseball, The Post has learned.

Mattingly had been with the Blue Jays for three seasons and was enlisted to help mentor John Schneider, who had been elevated to Toronto manager – and a first-time manager – during the 2022 season.

Mattingly’s contract was up and he felt it was mission accomplished with the Blue Jays having won the AL East and reached World Series Game 7, a source said. Mattingly feels grateful to the Toronto hierarchy for giving him a role with responsibility and he had a kinship with Schneider, who grew up in Livingstone, N.J., a Yankee fan who idolized Mattingly.

At 64, though, Mattingly still feels feels energized following the Jays’ fantastic and surprising season even though it ended in a heartbreaking World Series defeat. The Yankees great would be open to the right job elsewhere, including managing. Two managing jobs remain open – the Padres and the Rockies, who also have yet to name a head of baseball operations.