The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is nearing its conclusion, and it has been anything but uneventful. This season saw dramatic shifts in managerial positions, teams struggling to find their footing, and some holding on to past glories.
Managerial Upheavals
This year, three managers have faced the ax due to underperformance: Pedro Grifol of the Chicago White Sox, Scott Servais of the Seattle Mariners, and David Bell of the Cincinnati Reds. Their teams' struggles cost them their jobs as their respective clubs looked for a new direction.
Stepping in as the interim manager for the White Sox, Grady Sizemore is navigating a tumultuous debut with a tough 8-31 record. Freddie Benavides has taken temporary charge of the Reds following Bell's dismissal.
The Miami Marlins also made headlines early in the season by removing the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract. Schumaker, who entered the year as the reigning National League Manager of the Year, has faced a challenging season. Adding to the turbulence, Kim Ng has departed her role as the Marlins' general manager.
Consistency and Challenges
Bud Black stands as a veteran figure amidst the managerial changes, reaching his eighth season at the helm of the Colorado Rockies. However, consistency in leadership hasn't translated to success on the field for the Rockies. They are on the brink of a second consecutive 100-loss season, and Black's tenure features an overall record of 536-652. The Rockies haven't seen postseason action since 2018, a dry spell posing significant frustration for the club and its supporters.
John Schneider’s tenure managing the Toronto Blue Jays has left fans wanting more. The Blue Jays currently languish at the bottom of the AL East, prompting them to become sellers at the trade deadline, a clear indication of their struggle to compete this season.
Renewed Hopes and Seasons of Redemption
In contrast, the St. Louis Cardinals, who hoped to bounce back from their disastrous 91-loss campaign in 2023, managed to put together a winning season in 2024. Oliver Marmol's management appears to have steered the Cardinals back on track, resulting in a contract extension through 2026 that was inked in the spring. This extension reflects the organization's confidence in Marmol's vision and leadership abilities.
Meanwhile, familiar faces continue to guide some of the league's most storied franchises. Dave Roberts remains at the helm for the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Aaron Boone continues to lead the New York Yankees. Brandon Hyde is diligently managing the Baltimore Orioles.
The 2024 season highlights the ever-volatile nature of Major League Baseball, where success and stability can be fleeting. With the regular season winding down, franchises are already casting an eye toward 2025, hoping that changes made today will spark better fortunes in the next campaign.