The conclusion of the 2024 Major League Baseball regular season brings a somber note for several teams that had hoped for better outcomes. This season witnessed significant managerial changes as three teams opted for dismissals due to under-performance, which reverberated through the league.
Managerial Changes Amid Underperformance
The Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds each saw their managers released from their duties. Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds were unable to lead their teams to competitive seasons, resulting in their departures.
Grady Sizemore took up the interim manager position for the White Sox but has faced a daunting challenge, managing only an 8-31 record thus far. Similarly, Freddie Benavides has stepped in as the interim manager for the Reds with hopes of stabilizing the team.
Marlins' Surprising Move
In a rather unexpected move, the Miami Marlins decided to remove the 2025 club option from reigning National League Manager of the Year Skip Schumaker's contract in early April. This decision was compounded by the departure of former general manager Kim Ng, leaving the Marlins' future leadership uncertain.
Rockies Struggle Continues
Over in Colorado, Bud Black is enduring a tough eighth season as the Rockies' manager. The team is at risk of suffering its second consecutive 100-loss campaign. Despite Black’s managerial acumen, his tenure has been challenging, culminating in an overall record of 536-652. The Rockies have not seen postseason play since 2018, adding to the frustration of their fanbase.
Blue Jays' Downfall
Meanwhile, John Schneider's management of the Toronto Blue Jays has been less than stellar, landing the team at the bottom of the AL East. By the trade deadline, the Blue Jays had become sellers, signaling a shift in focus towards rebuilding rather than contending this year.
Cardinals' Rollercoaster Season
In contrast, the St. Louis Cardinals aimed to return to postseason contention in 2024 after a dismal 91-loss season in 2023. Under the guidance of Oliver Marmol, who signed a contract extension through 2026 this spring, the Cardinals managed to put together a winning campaign, providing a beacon of hope for their fans.
Stable Leadership Amidst Challenges
Despite the turmoil elsewhere, Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees, and Brandon Hyde of the Baltimore Orioles continue to provide steady leadership for their respective teams. While the results may not always meet the high expectations of their franchises and fanbases, their continued presence signals stability in an often tumultuous league.
The 2024 MLB season has underscored the volatility and high stakes within professional baseball, where managerial decisions can have swift and lasting impacts. As the season comes to a close, fans and teams alike will be reflecting on what was and what could have been, while looking ahead to the promise and potential of the next season.