The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is nearing its end, and it's been anything but uneventful. This season saw several managerial changes, underwhelming performances, and teams grappling with high expectations and subsequent disappointments.
Managerial Changes Amid Struggles
This year witnessed the dismissal of three managers due to under-performance. Pedro Grifol of the Chicago White Sox, Scott Servais of the Seattle Mariners, and David Bell of the Cincinnati Reds all found themselves out of a job as their teams failed to meet expectations. Grady Sizemore has stepped into the role of interim manager for the White Sox, but it's been a rough tenure so far, with the team posting a challenging 8-31 record under his leadership. Cincinnati turned to Freddie Benavides as their interim manager, hoping for a turnaround.
Marlins and Rockies Face Continued Challenges
For the Miami Marlins, the front office made a decisive move in early April by removing the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract. This decision came even though Schumaker is the reigning National League Manager of the Year. Furthermore, Kim Ng, the former general manager of the Marlins, has left the organization, indicating a significant shift in the team's direction.
In Colorado, Bud Black continues to navigate turbulent waters in his eighth season as the Rockies' manager. The team is perilously close to suffering their second consecutive 100-loss campaign, a scenario that highlights the struggles Black has faced. His overall record with the Rockies stands at 536-652, and the team has not made a postseason appearance since 2018.
Blue Jays' Disappointing Season
John Schneider's tenure as the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays has not brought about the success fans were hoping for. The Blue Jays find themselves at the bottom of the AL East, a development that led the team to become sellers at the trade deadline. This marks a significant shift for a team that had higher aspirations at the start of the season.
Cardinals Seek Redemption
On a more positive note, the St. Louis Cardinals aimed for a return to postseason contention in 2024 after a disastrous 91-loss campaign in 2023. Under the management of Oliver Marmol, the Cardinals have put together a winning season. Marmol's efforts were recognized with a contract extension through 2026, signed in the spring, indicating the organization's confidence in his leadership moving forward.
Stable Leadership for Dodgers, Yankees, and Orioles
Meanwhile, some organizations have maintained stability at the managerial level. Dave Roberts continues to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the New York Yankees. The Baltimore Orioles, too, have stuck with Brandon Hyde as their manager, showcasing a belief in their current leadership despite the ups and downs that come with the game.
As we draw closer to the end of the season, it's clear that the managerial carousel and team performances have painted a complex picture. Teams like the Cardinals have found redemption, while others, such as the White Sox and Rockies, continue to search for answers. The upcoming months will undoubtedly bring more changes as clubs reassess their strategies and management in hopes of better results in the 2025 season.