The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is nearing its end, and it has been anything but ordinary. Teams across the league have faced significant managerial changes, underlining the high stakes and pressures inherent in professional baseball.
Managerial Carousel
This season saw three managers dismissed due to under-performance: Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds. Each faced the harsh reality of their teams faltering under their leadership. Grifol, in particular, saw his tenure with the White Sox end abruptly, leading to Grady Sizemore stepping in as the interim manager. Unfortunately, Sizemore's record has been a challenging 8-31, highlighting the tough situation he inherited.
The Reds, too, experienced a managerial shakeup with Freddie Benavides taking over as interim manager. The move signifies a period of transition for a team that has struggled to find consistency. Similarly, the Marlins made a decisive change early in April by removing the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract. Notably, Schumaker is the reigning National League Manager of the Year, making the decision all the more striking. This season also saw the departure of Kim Ng, the former general manager of the Marlins, signaling a broader restructuring within the organization.
Rockies' Struggles Continue
In Colorado, Bud Black finds himself in his eighth season as the Rockies' manager, but the situation remains grim. The team is at risk of suffering its second consecutive 100-loss campaign, and Black's overall record with the Rockies stands at a dismal 536-652. Since 2018, the Rockies have failed to make the postseason, underscoring a prolonged period of struggles. This year has been another challenging chapter in Black's tenure, as the team continues to search for answers.
Disappointment in Toronto
For the Blue Jays, the 2024 season has been far from what fans had hoped for under John Schneider's management. The team finds itself at the bottom of the AL East, a position that led to them becoming deadline sellers. The lackluster performance this year has left a sour note among Blue Jays supporters, who had higher expectations.
Cardinals' Turnaround
One of the more intriguing stories this season has been the St. Louis Cardinals' attempt to rebound from a disastrous 2023 campaign that saw them lose 91 games. Under the management of Oliver Marmol, the Cardinals put together a winning campaign in 2024. Marmol, who signed a contract extension through 2026 in the spring, has steered the team back towards postseason contention, a testament to his leadership and the organization's commitment to success.
Steady Leadership Amidst Turmoil
While some teams grapple with upheaval, others have enjoyed stability in their managerial ranks. Dave Roberts continues to lead the Dodgers, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the Yankees, and Brandon Hyde manages the Orioles. These managers have provided a steady hand, guiding their teams through the myriad challenges that each season brings.
As the regular season winds down, the landscape of Major League Baseball reflects a mix of tumult and stability. Managerial changes have marked the year, with some teams looking to rebuild and others striving to regain their footing. It remains to be seen how these shifts will impact the upcoming offseason and the future of the franchises involved.