The 2024 MLB Season: Managerial Shake-Ups and Team Struggles
As the 2024 Major League Baseball regular season draws to a close, it has been a year marked by significant managerial changes and team challenges.
Managerial Changes Define the Season
This year was particularly tumultuous for managers, with three losing their jobs due to under-performance. Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds all found themselves ousted as their teams faltered under their leadership.
Chicago White Sox's Woeful Record
Grady Sizemore stepped in as the interim manager for the White Sox. Unfortunately, his tenure has not turned the tide, as his squad has posted a dismal 8-31 record thus far. The White Sox's continued struggles have cast a shadow over what could be a pivotal offseason for the franchise.
Cincinnati Reds Seek Stability
In Cincinnati, Freddie Benavides assumed the role of interim manager for the Reds following Bell's departure. While the Reds look to regain their footing, their immediate concerns lie in finding a long-term solution to their managerial woes.
Miami's Surprising Move
In a surprising twist, the Marlins chose to remove the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract early this April. Schumaker, who earned the title of National League Manager of the Year, now faces uncertainty regarding his future with the team. This move came amidst other significant changes, including the departure of Kim Ng, the Marlins' former general manager.
Rockies Face Continued Struggles
Meanwhile, in Colorado, Bud Black is navigating his eighth season as the Rockies' manager. The team is at risk of enduring their second consecutive 100-loss campaign, a dubious distinction that has frustrated fans and management alike. Black's overall record with the Rockies stands at 536-652, and the team has not tasted postseason success since 2018.
AL East Woes for the Blue Jays
North of the border, John Schneider's management of the Blue Jays has not yielded the results fans had anticipated. The team finds itself languishing at the bottom of the AL East. This unfortunate position led the Blue Jays to become sellers at the trade deadline, shifting their focus toward rebuilding for future seasons.
Cardinals' Effort to Rebound
The St. Louis Cardinals aimed to rebound and return to postseason contention in 2024 after suffering through a disastrous 91-loss season in 2023. Under the guidance of Oliver Marmol, who secured a contract extension through 2026 in the spring, the Cardinals have managed to put together a winning campaign this year, reigniting hope among their fanbase.
Consistent Leadership Among Top Teams
Elsewhere in the league, some franchises have chosen stability over change. Dave Roberts continues to lead the Dodgers, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the Yankees, and Brandon Hyde manages the Orioles. These consistent figures provide a contrast to the tumult seen in teams struggling to find their footing.
As the regular season edges toward its close, the managerial merry-go-round has emphasized the high stakes and pressure present in Major League Baseball. Teams and their leaders must adapt and perform, or face the inevitable consequences of under-performance.