The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is approaching its end, marking a tumultuous year for several teams and their managers. As the dust settles, three prominent managers were dismissed due to under-performance: Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds all parted ways with their respective teams, leading to significant shifts in leadership.
Management Shake-ups
Pedro Grifol's tenure with the White Sox ended disappointingly, with Grady Sizemore stepping in as the interim manager. However, Sizemore's stint has been anything but smooth, as he has posted a tough 8-31 record since taking over. Similarly, the Reds turned to Freddie Benavides in an interim capacity after parting ways with David Bell.
Marlins and Rockies in Struggles
In another surprising move, the Marlins decided to remove the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract in early April. This decision is particularly notable as Schumaker is the reigning National League Manager of the Year. Additionally, the team's former general manager, Kim Ng, has departed, leading to further instability.
Meanwhile, in Colorado, Bud Black faces challenges of his own. Now in his eighth season as the Rockies’ manager, Black’s future looks uncertain as the team risks suffering its second consecutive 100-loss campaign. His overall record with the Rockies stands at 536-652, and the team has not seen postseason action since 2018.
Blue Jays' Disappointment
John Schneider's management of the Blue Jays has also been under scrutiny this season. Despite high hopes, the team finds itself at the bottom of the AL East standings and became sellers at the trade deadline. This has been a significant letdown for fans who expected more competitive play.
Cardinals' Resurgence
On a more positive note, the St. Louis Cardinals aimed to rebound from a disastrous 91-loss season in 2023. Under the leadership of Oliver Marmol, who signed a contract extension through 2026 in the spring, the Cardinals have put together a winning campaign in 2024, much to the relief of their fanbase.
Stable Leadership Elsewhere
Not all teams faced upheaval. Dave Roberts continues his role as the manager of the Dodgers, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the Yankees, and Brandon Hyde manages the Orioles. These clubs have found continuity in their leadership, contributing to a stable environment amid the chaos affecting other teams.
As the 2024 MLB season winds down, the stories of managerial changes, team performances, and strategic shifts paint a vivid picture of a league in flux. Teams will soon be drawing lessons from this year, preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the next season.