The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is winding down, bringing a mixed bag of successes and disappointments. One of the most significant storylines has been the managerial changes brought about by under-performance across various teams.
Shake-Ups in Management
This season has seen the dismissal of three managers: Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds. These changes indicate the level of frustration and urgency within these organizations. For the White Sox, Grady Sizemore has taken over as the interim manager, but it has been an arduous task, with Sizemore posting a challenging 8-31 record thus far. Meanwhile, Freddie Benavides has stepped in to manage the Reds on an interim basis.
Unexpected Moves and Challenges
Early in April, the Miami Marlins made a surprising move by removing the 2025 club option from the contract of Skip Schumaker, the reigning National League Manager of the Year. In another development, Kim Ng, the former general manager of the Marlins, has left the organization, adding to the period of transition for the team.
Ongoing Struggles in Colorado
Bud Black is currently in his eighth season managing the Colorado Rockies, but the situation has been less than ideal. The Rockies are at risk of facing their second consecutive 100-loss season, a prospect that has been difficult for fans to digest. Black’s tenure with the Rockies stands at a disheartening 536-652 record. The team’s playoff drought extends back to 2018, placing significant pressure on Black and his squad to perform.
Blue Jays' Troubles
John Schneider’s management of the Toronto Blue Jays hasn't made the impact many had hoped for. The Blue Jays find themselves languishing at the bottom of the AL East, leading the organization to become sellers at the trade deadline. This decision underscores the need for a rebuilding phase to return to competitiveness.
Revival and Retreat for the Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals entered the 2024 season with aspirations to return to postseason contention after a dismal 91-loss campaign in 2023. Oliver Marmol has managed to lead the Cardinals to a winning season, securing his role with a contract extension through 2026 signed in the spring. This turnaround has been a bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous season across the league.
Steady Hands in Los Angeles, New York, and Baltimore
While changes have been rampant, some teams have seen stability in their managerial roles. Dave Roberts continues to lead the Dodgers, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the Yankees, and Brandon Hyde manages the Orioles. Their consistent presence provides a measure of steadiness amid the upheaval elsewhere in the league.
As the regular season draws to a close, the narrative of 2024 has been marked by significant managerial shifts, unexpected decisions, and the enduring efforts of teams to find their footing. Fans across the league are now looking ahead to the off-season, where further changes and strategies will shape the future of the game.