Andrew Friedman: Best for both Dodgers, Don Mattingly to 'start fresh'

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers have made official what was reported earlier Thursday morning, that Don Mattingly will not return to manage the club in 2016, what the club said was a mutual agreement.

The Dodgers say Mattingly talked "extensively" for several days in the last week with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Farhan Zaidi and senior vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes before reaching the decision.

"As our end of season process began, we discussed the past year, our future goals, necessary changes, roster needs and other matters relating to next year’s campaign," Friedman said in a press release from the team. "As the dialogue progressed daily, it evolved to a point where we all agreed that it might be best for both sides to start fresh. We decided to think about it for a couple of days and when we spoke again, we felt comfortable that this was the direction to go. I have the utmost respect for Donnie and thoroughly enjoyed working with him this past season. I want to thank him for his hard work and collaboration, as well as his accomplishments, including three consecutive National League West titles. I wish him nothing but success in the future."

The Dodgers will reportedly pay all of Mattingly's salary in 2016, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.

"I’m honored and proud to have had the opportunity to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers," Mattingly said in the same release. "I’ve enjoyed my experiences and relationships with the organization’s staff and players throughout my eight years in L.A. After meeting with Andrew, Farhan and Josh, we all felt that a fresh start would be good for both the organization and me. We talked about several scenarios, including my returning in 2016. However, I believe this is the right time and right move for both parties. I’m still very passionate about managing and hope to get the opportunity in the near future. In the meantime, I want to thank the Dodger organization, the city and our fans for the opportunity and wish the club well going forward."

The Dodgers will hold a press conference at Dodger Stadium at 1 p.m. PT, with both Friedman and Zaidi speaking. It will be televised by SportsNet LA.