If Barry Bonds remained hitting coach, Don Mattingly would have quit

When the Marlins hired Barry Bonds to serve as one of their two hitting coaches before the season started, critics wondered how committed Bonds would be to the job. Don Mattingly might have have had the same question.

If the Marlins didn’t fire Bonds on Monday, Miami’s manager would have opted to resign, according to Zach Braziller.

According to The Post’s Kevin Kernan, who spoke with an MLB coach, Mattingly would have gone so far as to step down as manager if Bonds returned for another season.

SiriusXM’s Craig Mish reported earlier this week that Bonds’ “commitment level dwindled.” Mattingly declined to comment on Bonds’ performance this season, according to Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald.

Miami already has one hitting coach in Frank Menechino but will also consider other options, since Mattingly believes it’s ideal to carry two hitting coaches, according to Spencer. While it’s unclear what exactly Bonds’ role was, Mattingly reportedly wants his coaches to be open to using video to help hitters evaluate their at-bats.

The Marlins are seemingly fond of Mattingly, who kept Miami competitive for most of the season. As a result, they chose to part with Bonds as Mattingly requested.