Could Don Mattingly Return to the Yankees as a Free Agent in 2026?

Don Mattingly, the former manager of the New York Yankees and most recently a bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. This has sparked speculation about whether the baseball legend might return to his old team at Yankee Stadium.

A Legacy with the Yankees

Mattingly is a Yankees icon, having contributed to the team both as a player and a coach. His tenure with the Yankees left a lasting impression, but he later moved on to other roles within Major League Baseball, most recently serving as a bench coach for the Blue Jays.

Current Situation

Upon leaving the Blue Jays, Mattingly emphasized that he still wants to “do something in baseball” but is considering personal factors, particularly family and the demands of travel. These considerations could influence any decision to return to a high-pressure, busy team like the Yankees.

At present, the Yankees have not made any official announcement regarding a potential reunion, and the team already has a coaching staff in place. While Mattingly’s connection to the Yankees is strong, a return is not as simple as a meeting or an invitation—it depends on timing, role, and mutual fit.

Analysis

The likelihood of Don Mattingly returning to the Yankees in 2026 is low to moderate. However, it is not impossible, especially if the Yankees offer a role that fits Mattingly’s current preferences, such as an advisory position or a coaching role with less travel.

Conclusion

Yankees fans will be watching closely to see what Mattingly decides for the 2026 season. While his final decision remains uncertain, the prospect of him returning to his former team remains an exciting and highly anticipated story in the baseball world.