The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is drawing to a close, and it has been nothing short of eventful. This season, three managers were shown the door mid-season due to their teams' underwhelming performances. The White Sox parted ways with Pedro Grifol, the Mariners relieved Scott Servais of his duties, and David Bell was dismissed by the Reds.
Managerial Changes and Struggles
Following Grifol's exit, Grady Sizemore took over as the interim manager of the White Sox. However, his tenure has been marked by significant struggles, with the team posting a daunting 8-31 record under his leadership. Meanwhile, the Reds appointed Freddie Benavides as their interim manager, hoping for a turnaround in fortunes that has yet to fully materialize.
The managerial merry-go-round didn’t stop there. The Marlins made headlines early in the season by removing the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract. This decision was particularly surprising given Schumaker's accolade as the reigning National League Manager of the Year. The Marlins’ decision also coincided with the departure of Kim Ng, their former general manager. The ripple effects of these changes will likely be felt well into the next season.
Consistency Amid Turbulence
While some teams faced turbulence, others opted for continuity. Bud Black remains at the helm for the Rockies, currently enduring his eighth season with Colorado. His overall record with the Rockies, 536-652, reflects the challenging nature of his tenure. To compound matters, the Rockies are staring down the barrel of a second consecutive 100-loss season, and they haven’t seen postseason action since 2018.
John Schneider's management of the Blue Jays has also come under scrutiny. Despite hopes for a competitive season, the team has found itself languishing at the bottom of the AL East. The disappointing performance led the Blue Jays to become deadline sellers, signaling a shift in focus from this season to future rebuilds.
The Cardinals’ Comeback
In contrast, the St. Louis Cardinals have orchestrated a notable comeback. After a disastrous 91-loss season in 2023, the Cardinals aimed to return to postseason contention in 2024. Under Oliver Marmol's stewardship, they achieved a winning campaign, resulting in Marmol receiving a contract extension through 2026. This turnaround has reinvigorated the fan base and set optimistic expectations for the seasons ahead.
Steady Hands in Top Franchises
Elsewhere in the league, some of the most storied franchises have maintained stability at the managerial level. Dave Roberts continues to guide the Dodgers, and Aaron Boone remains at the helm of the Yankees. Both managers are tasked with navigating the pressures and expectations that come with leading two of baseball’s most iconic teams. Brandon Hyde, steering the Orioles, rounds out the cadre of managers solidifying their teams’ strategies with consistent leadership.
As the curtain falls on the 2024 MLB regular season, the narrative is one of change contrasted with stability. The upcoming off-season and the eventual 2025 campaign promise to be intriguing as teams reconfigure and strategize for better outcomes. For now, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how these managerial shifts play out on the field.