The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is drawing to a close, and with it comes a series of managerial shakeups that have reverberated across the league. Three managers found themselves out of a job due to their respective teams' underperformance. Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds were all dismissed as their organizations sought to change course.
White Sox Struggles Continue
The White Sox tapped former MLB outfielder Grady Sizemore as their interim manager. Sizemore's stint has been anything but smooth, as the team limped to an 8-31 record under his guidance. This tumultuous season has been a harsh introduction to managing for Sizemore and reflects deeper issues within the White Sox organization.
Reds Turn to Freddie Benavides
Meanwhile, the Reds have turned the reins over to Freddie Benavides, hoping a change at the helm might stabilize their faltering season. The transition marks a critical juncture for the Reds, who have been searching for consistency and a way to pivot from their current challenges.
Marlins Make Key Decisions
In a surprising move earlier this year, the Marlins opted to remove the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract. Schumaker, who was named the National League Manager of the Year, has now found his future with the team in question. This move was coupled with the departure of former general manager Kim Ng, signaling a time of significant changes for the Marlins' leadership.
Rockies' Continued Woes Under Bud Black
Bud Black's tenure with the Colorado Rockies is approaching an ignominious landmark. The team faces the prospect of a second consecutive 100-loss season. Black, who is in his eighth season as the Rockies' manager, carries a record of 536-652 with the team. The Rockies have not seen postseason action since 2018, a drought that emphasizes the growing frustrations of the Rockies' fanbase and the pressure on Black and his coaching staff.
Blue Jays' Disappointing Campaign
Another team facing unmet expectations is the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager John Schneider has not been able to deliver the results that fans had hoped for. The team finds itself at the bottom of the AL East and chose to become sellers at the trade deadline, a clear indication of their struggles throughout the season.
Cardinals Experience a Rebound
In 2023, the St. Louis Cardinals had a season to forget, losing 91 games and leaving their fans in despair. However, 2024 brought a resurgence as they pieced together a winning campaign. Oliver Marmol, who managed the team during this turnaround, was rewarded with a contract extension through 2026, reflecting the organization's faith in his leadership and vision for the future of the franchise.
Steadfast Leadership in Los Angeles, New York, and Baltimore
While some teams have experienced upheavals, others have maintained a steady course. Dave Roberts continues to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers, a testament to the stability and success he has brought to the team. Similarly, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the New York Yankees, and Brandon Hyde manages the Baltimore Orioles. These managers have managed to retain their positions through consistent performance, holding firm amid the shifting dynamics elsewhere in the league.
As the 2024 MLB season nears its end, the impact of these managerial changes will be closely watched. Teams like the White Sox, Reds, and Mariners hope their new directions will pay dividends, while the turbulence in Miami and Colorado underscores the challenges of long-term success in Major League Baseball. Whether these changes facilitate a resurgence or signify deeper issues will be a storyline to follow in the seasons to come.