The 2024 Major League Baseball season is in its final stretch, and it has been a year marked by managerial upheaval and unfulfilled expectations. As the dust begins to settle, several high-profile changes have come into focus, and teams are now reflecting on their performance and looking toward the future.
Managerial Changes: A Season of Turmoil
The Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds have all seen managerial changes this season due to disappointing performances. Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds were all relieved of their duties as their teams struggled to find success on the field. Stepping in as interim manager for the White Sox is Grady Sizemore, who has faced a tough challenge, posting a 8-31 record thus far.
Freddie Benavides has taken over as the interim manager for the Reds, attempting to guide a team that has faced its own set of challenges and underperformance. Meanwhile, the Mariners are seeking stability as they try to regain their competitive edge.
Contract Decisions and Departures
In another significant move, the Miami Marlins opted to remove the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract back in early April. The decision raises eyebrows, particularly because Schumaker is the reigning National League Manager of the Year. The Marlins organization has seen other changes as well, including the departure of former general manager Kim Ng, indicating a period of transition for the franchise.
Rockies' Struggles Continue
Over in Colorado, Bud Black is enduring his eighth season as the Rockies' manager, yet the challenges mount. The Rockies are dangerously close to suffering their second consecutive 100-loss season, a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by the franchise. Black's overall record with the Rockies stands at 536-652, reflecting the uphill battle the team has faced. It has been a tough stretch for the Rockies, especially since they have not made a postseason appearance since 2018.
Blue Jays' Disappointing Season
The Toronto Blue Jays had high hopes entering the 2024 season, but those aspirations have not been realized. Under the management of John Schneider, the Blue Jays find themselves rooted at the bottom of the AL East. As a result, they turned into sellers at the trade deadline, a clear signal that the organization is looking to rebuild and retool for the future.
Cardinals Show Resilience
In contrast, the St. Louis Cardinals aimed for a return to postseason contention in 2024 after a disastrous 91-loss season in 2023. Under the leadership of Oliver Marmol, the Cardinals have put together a winning campaign, a significant turnaround from their previous struggles. Marmol's efforts have been recognized with a contract extension through 2026, securing his place as the steady hand at the helm of the team.
Stable Leadership
Amid this season of managerial upheavals, several teams have maintained their leadership stability. Dave Roberts continues to guide the Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the New York Yankees, and Brandon Hyde manages the Baltimore Orioles. These managers have navigated the challenges of a demanding season with their positions intact, providing a measure of consistency for their respective teams.
As the season concludes, teams and their fans are taking stock of what has transpired over the past months. The managerial changes, contract decisions, and team performances have set the stage for an intriguing offseason, where franchises will look to make the necessary adjustments to compete at the highest level in the coming year.