The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is nearing its conclusion, bringing a mixed bag of outcomes for various teams and managers. As the dust begins to settle, managerial changes have been a significant storyline this year.
Managerial Turmoil
This season witnessed the dismissal of three managers due to under-performance. Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds all lost their jobs as their respective teams struggled. Grady Sizemore stepped in as the interim manager for the White Sox but has experienced a challenging stint with an 8-31 record thus far. Meanwhile, Freddie Benavides assumed interim managerial duties for the Reds.
Marlins Make a Bold Move
In early April, the Miami Marlins made headlines by removing the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract. The decision was particularly surprising as Schumaker is the reigning National League Manager of the Year. Additionally, the Marlins saw the departure of their former general manager, Kim Ng, further signaling potential shifts within the organization.
Rockies' Struggles Continue
Over in Colorado, Bud Black continues to lead the Rockies in his eighth season, but the outlook appears bleak. The Rockies are at risk of suffering their second consecutive 100-loss campaign and have failed to make the postseason since 2018. Bud Black’s overall record with the Rockies stands at 536-652, reflecting the ongoing struggles the club faces.
Blue Jays Falter and Rebuild
Transitioning to the American League, John Schneider’s tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays hasn't garnered the results fans had hoped for. The Blue Jays find themselves at the bottom of the AL East, which led them to become sellers at the trade deadline. The team’s disappointing performance has sparked discussions about potential restructuring in the offseason.
Cardinals' Resurgence
In contrast, the St. Louis Cardinals aimed to return to postseason contention in 2024 after a disastrous 91-loss season in 2023. Under the leadership of Oliver Marmol, who signed a contract extension through 2026 during the spring, the Cardinals put together a winning campaign this season, rekindling hopes among their fanbase.
Steady Leadership Amidst Turbulence
While some teams faced managerial upheaval, others have benefited from stability. Dave Roberts continues to guide the Dodgers, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the Yankees, and Brandon Hyde manages the Orioles. These managers have provided steady leadership amid a season filled with highs and lows for their respective teams.
As the regular season winds down, the shadow of managerial changes looms large. The decisions made this year could have lasting implications as teams look to rebuild and improve their prospects for 2025 and beyond.