The 2024 Major League Baseball season is coming to a close, bringing with it a whirlwind of managerial changes and team performances that have left fans both delighted and disappointed.
Managerial Shake-Ups
This season saw significant upheaval in the coaching ranks. Underperformance has led to the dismissal of three managers. Pedro Grifol of the Chicago White Sox, Scott Servais of the Seattle Mariners, and David Bell of the Cincinnati Reds all lost their positions as their teams struggled on the field.
In Chicago, Grady Sizemore stepped in as the interim manager for the White Sox. Despite his reputation and efforts, Sizemore has faced a tough stint, managing an 8-31 record thus far. Over in Cincinnati, Freddie Benavides took the helm as the interim manager for the Reds, while the Mariners have yet to decide on a permanent replacement for Servais.
Interestingly, the Miami Marlins made a preemptive move by removing the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract back in April, despite Schumaker being the reigning National League Manager of the Year. This decision was coupled with the departure of Kim Ng, the Marlins' former general manager, adding more uncertainty to the franchise's future direction.
Mixed Fortunes for Veteran Managers
Some veteran managers continue to hold their positions despite their teams' lackluster performances. Bud Black, now in his eighth season managing the Colorado Rockies, faces the potential of a second consecutive 100-loss campaign. His overall record with the Rockies stands at a disheartening 536-652, and the team has not seen postseason action since 2018.
Similarly, John Schneider's tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays has not yielded the results many had hoped for. The Blue Jays are currently languishing at the bottom of the AL East and transitioned to being deadline sellers, a move that signals a time of rebuilding and adjustment.
Bright Spots Amidst Challenges
Not all teams are grappling with underperformance. The St. Louis Cardinals, after a disastrous 91-loss season in 2023, managed a winning campaign in 2024. Under the guidance of Oliver Marmol, who signed a contract extension through 2026 in the spring, the Cardinals aimed to re-establish themselves as postseason contenders. Their efforts this season suggest a positive trajectory for the future.
Meanwhile, stability has been a hallmark for some high-profile teams. Dave Roberts continues to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the New York Yankees, and Brandon Hyde manages the Baltimore Orioles, indicating a measure of consistency for these franchises.
The 2024 MLB season has been a testament to the pressures and vulnerabilities that managers face. As teams and fans look forward to future seasons, the recent changes underscore the delicate balance of performances, expectations, and outcomes that define Major League Baseball.