The news surrounding Miami is plentiful. They reportedly hired Don Mattingly as their new manager today, but the man who managed the team for most of the 2015 MLB season will not return in 2016.
Dan Jennings, who left his position as general manager in May to take over the Marlins' dugout, was fired on Thursday, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Per sources, the Marlins have dismissed Dan Jennings. They believe it's in best interests of organization. Announcement expected later.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) October 29, 2015
#Marlins have fired Dan Jennings, per Barry Jackson of Miami Herald. He is owed $5.6M over the next three years.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 29, 2015
The Marlins confirmed the report shortly thereafter:
Dan Jennings has been relieved of his duties as General Manager.
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) October 29, 2015
Rumors earlier in the season suggested Jennings would return to the front office after 2015 and likely take back his job as general manager. It was said Jennings had a formal offer to return as GM and took some time to mull it over. He ultimately accepted it, but Jackson says on Oct. 19 he was told by team officials to "remain in Alabama and not return to the Marlins offices."
That culminated in Jennings being fired today likely due to a straining relationship with owner Jeffrey Loria. Jackson said the two "squabbled over several issues including whether to play [Marcell] Ozuna." Jennings guided the Marlins to a 55-69 record despite with countless injuries after taking over for the fired Mike Redmond. Jennings wanted to return as manager, but the team was not keen on that idea.
There was also speculation earlier in the season that Jennings might not even return to the front office because president of baseball operations Michael Hill and assistant GM Mike Berger had already been asserting their influence and making changes, which would have likely caused some sort of discord if Jennings rejoined the unit.
It's unknown what's next for Jennings, who was reportedly interested in the Seattle Mariners' GM job before they hired Jerry Dipoto. For right now, Jennings will join Alex Anthopoulos as the latest general managers to be out of work, and perhaps undeservedly so.
