Three down, how many more remain?
In the last seven weeks, the Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds have all parted ways with their managers. If past trends are any guide, this turnover is just getting started.
A fourth position is set to open up when Skip Schumaker opts to use his “get out of jail free” card with the Miami Marlins. Additional changes are likely, whether from retirements, postseason disappointments, or internal disagreements.
Sometimes, these decisions come as a surprise. The Chicago Cubs’ decision to hire Craig Counsell as a replacement for David Ross following last season was one such unexpected move. Similarly, the St. Louis Cardinals’ firing of Mike Shildt after a remarkable 17-game winning streak that led the team to a wild-card berth in 2021 also caught many off guard.
On other occasions, the changes are more foreseeable. The White Sox’s firing of Pedro Grifol in early August was practically a formality. Even the Reds’ dismissal of David Bell this week didn’t exactly come as a shock.
Changes are inevitable. They always occur. Here’s a look at ten managers currently under scrutiny:
It’s hard to envision the Dodgers holding Roberts accountable for the organization’s struggles to maintain pitcher health, especially since upper management has previously chosen not to blame him for their Division Series losses in 2019, ‘22, and ‘23.
Since his appointment as manager in 2015, Roberts has spearheaded the Dodgers to eight NL West titles over nine years, as well as a robust 106-win season the year they finished second. As the team approached Wednesday, they had amassed 51 more regular-season victories than their closest rival and secured the 2020 World Series title.
Blowing a four-game lead to the Padres with eight games left would have put Roberts in a precarious position, but the Dodgers can secure the NL West with a win on Thursday. However, a third consecutive upset loss in the Division Series remains a possibility, and such an outcome might prompt president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman to consider a change.
Roberts, 52, is under contract through the next season, raising another question: Should the Dodgers retain him, will they offer him an extension, or will he begin 2025 as a lame duck? Given his achievements, Roberts could justifiably demand more than the $8 million average annual salary that the Cubs extended to Counsell.
Boone’s future, like that of Roberts, could depend on postseason performance. The clamor in New York will undoubtedly intensify if the Yankees face a swift exit in the Division Series, or even if they reach the American League Championship Series and replicate their lackluster 2022 performance when they were swept by the Houston Astros.
Throughout Boone’s seven-year tenure, the Yankees have qualified for the playoffs in all but one season and are tied with the Atlanta Braves for the third-highest win total in the majors during that span. However, the current squad can be frustrating to watch. According to FanGraphs, the Yankees are the worst baserunning team in the league, and their on-field lapses reflect somewhat on their manager.
Nonetheless, the Yankees’ overall talent might be their strongest since their last World Series victory in 2009. Boone, 51, will have to be sharp in the postseason, effectively using pinch hitters and runners while managing a bullpen lacking a clear closer (although Luke Weaver has certainly shown he can perform in that role). The Yankees have an option on Boone for 2025.
Brian Snitker, Atlanta Braves
The Braves are unlikely to dismiss Snitker after he kept the team competitive during a season plagued by injuries. A more pertinent question might be if Snitker—at 68 years old, with nine seasons as manager and nearly 50 years in the Atlanta organization—still wishes to continue managing.
Under contract until 2025, Snitker might
He may hesitate to end on an unfavorable note. After years of earning minor-league wages, Snitker might be unwilling to give up a salary estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2 million. However, given the demanding nature of the job, health concerns weigh heavily on every manager’s mind. Snitker occasionally mentions the challenges of managing under such stress, especially at his age.
A straightforward solution, should Snitker choose to step down, would involve the Braves offering him a well-paying advisory role, allowing him to remain within the organization. After achieving six consecutive division titles and a World Series victory in 2021, “Snit” certainly deserves a gracious exit.
Baldelli cannot be solely blamed for the team’s downfall, nor is it likely that the Twins will hold him accountable. Nonetheless, the team’s unity has deteriorated since their sweep in Kansas City at the beginning of September during a troubling 12-23 slump. Should Baldelli stay on, he may have to reconsider his relaxed management style, which seems to have faltered with his young squad.
Injuries have contributed to the issue for a team that has had to rely on three rookie starters in recent games, while also missing three key players — Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis — for significant parts of the season. After Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat against the Marlins at Target Field, Correa commented on the need for increased urgency among players, stating, “Some guys take it as poison and some guys take it as fuel.”
At 43, Baldelli has shown more frustration in the last six weeks than at any other time during his six-year tenure as manager. However, the team’s lack of intensity seems to reflect his own approach. Lacking an everyday impact player like José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians or Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, the Twins might require a more assertive manager in 2025.
Skip Schumaker, Miami Marlins
This situation is all but determined. Once the season concludes on Sunday, Schumaker will take advantage of the freedom he gained when the Marlins opted to void his 2025 contract option last offseason. Consequently, the team will need to find a replacement for a manager who, as a free agent, is anticipated to attract interest from multiple teams.
One potential candidate could be assistant general manager Gabe Kapler, who managed the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018 and 2019 and the San Francisco Giants from 2020 to 2023. Alternatively, there is a chance that Kapler remains in the front office and plays a pivotal role in selecting Schumaker’s replacement.
Potential candidates include Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz, who was part of Kapler’s coaching staff in San Francisco; Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough, whom Kapler hired as Los Angeles’ minor league field coordinator during his time as farm director; and Royals bench coach Paul Hoover, who coached with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2019 to 2022 while Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix worked in the Rays’ front office.
Derek Shelton has yet to achieve a winning season during his five years with the Pirates. (Jeff Curry / Imagn Images)
On September 11, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington addressed the situation, stating he expects Shelton to return, referring to him as the “right person to manage this team in 2025.” The only uncertainty, especially following Bell’s firing, is whether owner Bob Nutting is satisfied with the current state of affairs.
Prior to the season, Nutting expressed his belief that the team would make a “meaningful step forward,” as he told The Athletic, “We collectively believe we can contend for a division title and a postseason spot.” However, a dismal 7-20 run starting July 31 dashed those hopes.
The Pirates are on track for their sixth consecutive losing season. They require two more wins to equal last year’s total, and surpassing that number will hardly demonstrate improvement, especially since this year they brought in Paul Skenes.
Cherington is in the midst of his fifth season. Shelton, 54, appears secure unless Nutting opts for a complete overhaul of the organization.
Last winter, following 89 wins in Schneider’s first full season, the Jays pursued stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. Ultimately, they acquired Justin Turner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Kevin Kiermaier, all of whom were traded away, leaving the team with a likely record that will rank among the bottom four or five in the American League.
General manager Ross Atkins is not shy about placing blame on Schneider, as he did after the controversial decision to remove José Berríos in Game 2 of the 2023 Wild Card series. Nonetheless, the Jays maintain their perspective that this disappointing season is an anomaly, aiming to bring back Vlad, Bo, and others in 2025.
If Atkins decides to dismiss Schneider, 44, it would only highlight his own shortcomings. As of Wednesday, the Jays had hit a mere 12 home runs — just 12! — from the cleanup spot. That issue does not rest with the manager.
Grady Sizemore, Chicago White Sox
Let’s review the timeline of Sizemore.
Last season, he worked as a $15-an-hour intern with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This year, the White Sox offered him his first major-league coaching position. On August 8, general manager Chris Getz appointed him as interim manager to replace Pedro Grifol, noting that the team would explore external candidates for the permanent role. However, on Tuesday, Getz changed his stance, indicating that Sizemore, 42, would now be considered for the position.
Now that’s quite the progression!
Nevertheless, the White Sox are still expected to pursue an outside hire, provided that someone is willing to take on their current record-tying (as of now) 120-loss situation (there are only 30 of these jobs available; someone will take it). Best of luck to that unfortunate individual.
Bud Black is concluding his eighth season as manager of the Rockies in Denver. (Ron Chenoy / USA Today Sports)
At 67, Black has overseen six consecutive losing seasons, and the Rockies must win 3 out of their final 4 games to prevent a second consecutive season with 100 losses. A team in rebuild mode might benefit from new leadership, yet Black is well-liked by nearly everyone, and Rockies owner Dick Monfort tends to operate within a closed environment, favoring stability over drastic changes.
A decision regarding Black’s future is imminent; his contract is not extended beyond this season. Preliminary discussions regarding a contract extension occurred between him and Monfort during spring training, as reported by the Denver Post. However, no agreement was finalized, and general manager Bill Schmidt has deferred any conversations about Black’s future until after the season concludes.
In contrast, Marmol, at 38, seems secure in his position, partly due to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak’s intention to return for an additional season. Mozeliak is unlikely to hire a new manager just one year before owner Bill DeWitt Jr. implements a new front office. The forthcoming head of baseball operations should have the authority to make that selection.
The Cardinals are on the brink of avoiding losing records across two consecutive full seasons for the first time since 1958-59. However, their challenges extend well beyond Marmol, who led the team to 93 victories in his inaugural season in 2022. His contract remains valid through 2026, providing him at least one more opportunity.
(Top photo of Aaron Boone: Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
Managerial Shakeup: Who’s Next in the MLB Coaching Carousel?
The MLB coaching carousel is always buzzing with activity, and the offseason is no exception. As teams evaluate their performances and strategize for the future, managerial changes often take center stage. In this article, we delve into the latest news regarding MLB managerial positions, potential candidates, and the implications of these shifts for teams and players alike. Let’s explore who might be next in the MLB coaching carousel!
Current MLB Managerial Landscape
As of the end of the 2023 season, several teams have already made headlines with managerial changes. The following table highlights key MLB managerial positions and their current statuses:
| Team | Current Manager | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | David Ross | Under Review |
| New York Mets | Buck Showalter | Fired |
| Los Angeles Angels | Phil Nevin | Fired |
| San Diego Padres | Bob Melvin | Under Review |
| Miami Marlins | Skip Schumaker | Safe |
Top Candidates for MLB Managerial Positions
With several managerial vacancies and uncertainties, a few names are emerging as prominent candidates for various teams. Here’s a look at some potential hires:
1. Joe Espada
Currently serving as the bench coach for the Houston Astros, Joe Espada is widely regarded as a top candidate due to his extensive experience and success in developing young talent. His familiarity with analytics and player development makes him an attractive option for teams looking to modernize their approach.
2. Craig Counsell
As the former manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, Craig Counsell has proven himself as a strategic thinker and skilled communicator. His ability to maximize player performance and foster a positive team culture is highly sought after, especially by teams aiming for quick turnarounds.
3. Mike Scioscia
Mike Scioscia, a two-time World Series champion, has been out of managing since 2018. His wealth of experience and winning pedigree could attract teams looking to instill a winning mindset. Scioscia’s familiarity with the Angels organization might also rekindle interest from them.
4. Ron Washington
Ron Washington remains a respected figure in baseball, known for his defensive expertise and leadership. His successful tenure with the Texas Rangers makes him a strong candidate for any team needing a steady hand and improved on-field performance.
Impacts of Managerial Changes
Managerial changes can have far-reaching implications for teams, players, and fan engagement. Here are some key impacts:
- Player Development: A new manager often brings new strategies and philosophies that can significantly influence player growth.
- Team Morale: Managerial changes can reinvigorate a struggling team, motivating players and altering the clubhouse dynamic.
- Season Outlook: The choice of manager can dictate the direction of the team, impacting free agency decisions and overall performance in the next season.
Case Studies: Successful Managerial Changes in MLB History
History shows that a managerial shakeup can lead to remarkable turnarounds for struggling franchises. Here are a few memorable examples:
1. Tampa Bay Rays – Kevin Cash
When Kevin Cash took over as the manager in 2015, the Rays were in a rebuilding phase. His innovative approach to pitching, especially the use of openers, transformed the team into a perennial playoff contender. Under his leadership, the Rays reached the World Series in 2020.
2. San Francisco Giants – Bruce Bochy
Bruce Bochy’s hiring in 2007 marked a turning point for the Giants. His experience and leadership led the team to three World Series championships from 2010 to 2014, cementing his legacy as one of the great managers in MLB history.
Practical Tips for Teams During Managerial Transitions
For teams undergoing managerial changes, it’s essential to approach the transition thoughtfully. Here are practical tips for managing this process:
- Conduct Thorough Interviews: Take the time to understand candidates’ philosophies, experiences, and how they align with the team’s vision.
- Consider Team Chemistry: Evaluate how potential managers interact with players and staff, as a good fit can significantly influence success.
- Communicate Clearly: Keep lines of communication open with players to ease their transition and build trust in the new leadership.
- Evaluate the Coaching Staff: Consider retaining or hiring coaches who complement the new manager’s style and can help with a smooth transition.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Former Players
Former players often provide valuable insights on the impact of managerial changes. Here are some insights on what players look for in a new manager:
1. Communication Skills
Players appreciate managers who communicate effectively and maintain an open-door policy. Clear communication fosters trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.
2. Adaptability
Players value managers who can adapt strategies based on the strengths and weaknesses of their roster. This flexibility can lead to better team performance.
3. Understanding of Modern Analytics
Today’s players often expect managers to have a deep understanding of analytics and how to leverage data for in-game strategies and player development.
Looking Ahead: Predictions for the Upcoming Season
As we look ahead to the 2024 MLB season, several predictions can be made regarding potential managerial changes:
- The Chicago Cubs may opt for a fresh face if they decide to move on from David Ross, with Joe Espada as a likely candidate.
- The New York Mets will likely seek a high-profile manager to fill the void left by Buck Showalter, possibly targeting Craig Counsell.
- The San Diego Padres’ decision on Bob Melvin’s future could hinge on the team’s performance in the upcoming free agency and trade market.
As teams continue to assess their futures, the MLB coaching carousel is bound to keep fans and analysts alike engaged. The next managerial hires will undoubtedly influence the dynamics of the league as teams aim for contention in the coming seasons.
