The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is drawing to a close, and it has been an eventful year on various fronts. From managerial changes to teams' struggles and successes, the landscape of MLB has shifted notably.
Managerial Changes Amid Struggles
One of the most significant stories of this season has been the wave of managerial dismissals due to under-performance. The White Sox, Mariners, and Reds all decided to part ways with their managers as their seasons faltered. Pedro Grifol's tenure with the White Sox came to an abrupt end, paving the way for Grady Sizemore to step in as the interim manager. However, the transition has been anything but smooth, with the team posting a tough 8-31 record under Sizemore's leadership thus far.
Similarly, the Reds saw a change at the helm when David Bell was relieved of his duties. Freddie Benavides took over on an interim basis, working to steady the ship for a franchise in flux. The Mariners also made headlines with the dismissal of Scott Servais, reflecting the heightened expectations and pressures that come with managing at the Major League level.
The Marlins' Managerial Movements
Down in Miami, Skip Schumaker's situation took an unexpected turn. The reigning National League Manager of the Year saw the Marlins remove the 2025 club option from his contract early in the season. In another significant front-office change, Kim Ng, the Marlins' general manager, has departed, leaving the organization at a pivotal juncture as they plan for the future.
Rocky Times in Colorado
For the Colorado Rockies, the 2024 season has mirrored their struggles from the previous year. Bud Black remains at the helm in his eighth season but faces the daunting prospect of enduring a second consecutive 100-loss campaign. With an overall record of 536-652 under Black, the Rockies have not seen postseason action since 2018, emphasizing the long road ahead for the franchise.
AL East Woes
John Schneider's tenure with the Blue Jays has not met fans' expectations as the team languishes at the bottom of the AL East. Their position prompted them to become sellers at the trade deadline, a clear indication of the need for a reshuffle and fresh strategy to reverse their fortunes.
The Cardinals' Resurgence
In contrast, the St. Louis Cardinals have shown resilience this season. After a disastrous 2023 campaign that saw them lose 91 games, the team aimed to get back to postseason contention in 2024. Under Oliver Marmol's management, the Cardinals have managed a winning campaign, and Marmol's performance earned him a contract extension through 2026 in the spring. This long-term commitment is a vote of confidence in Marmol's vision and leadership for the team.
Steady Hands at the Helm
Elsewhere, stability has been the theme for several franchises. Dave Roberts continues to lead the Dodgers, a team that consistently aims for high performance. Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the Yankees, navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with managing one of baseball's most storied franchises. Similarly, Brandon Hyde persists as the manager of the Orioles, aiming to build on the foundation he has set over his tenure.
As the season wraps up, the shifts in managerial positions and team performances highlight the ever-evolving dynamics of Major League Baseball. With every change, each team recalibrates their strategies, chasing the elusive goal of consistent success. The remainder of the season will reveal the immediate impacts of these changes and set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing offseason.