The 2024 MLB Season: A Year of Managerial Shake-Ups and Team Struggles
As the 2024 Major League Baseball regular season draws to a close, a narrative of managerial upheavals and team struggles comes to the forefront. Three managers have been shown the door due to under-performance, shaking up the leadership landscape in the league.
Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds were all dismissed as their teams failed to meet expectations. Grady Sizemore has stepped in as the interim manager for the White Sox, grappling with a challenging 8-31 record so far. Meanwhile, Freddie Benavides has taken over the reins for the Reds, trying to steady the ship.
The Miami Marlins made headlines in early April by removing the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract, despite him being the reigning National League Manager of the Year. This move came alongside the departure of Kim Ng, the former general manager, signaling a period of transition for the franchise.
On the other side of managerial longevity, Bud Black marked his eighth season as Colorado's manager, but the Rockies are staring down the barrel of their second consecutive 100-loss season. Black's overall record with the team stands at 536-652, underscoring the struggles the franchise has faced since their last postseason appearance in 2018.
In the AL East, John Schneider's tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays has not met the anticipated success. The Blue Jays find themselves languishing at the bottom of the division, culminating in the team becoming deadline sellers. The fanbase's frustration is palpable as the team's performance continues to disappoint.
Striving for a comeback, 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 in the spring, the Cardinals managed to put together a winning campaign this year.
Elsewhere, the Dodgers remain under the steady leadership of Dave Roberts. The Yankees continue to be helmed by Aaron Boone, while Brandon Hyde oversees the Orioles' efforts. These franchises have maintained a semblance of stability in their managerial positions, contrasting with the upheaval seen in other parts of the league.
As the season winds down, the performance and managerial decisions will undoubtedly be scrutinized, setting the stage for an intriguing offseason. The landscape of the MLB is ever-evolving, with each season bringing a fresh set of challenges and storylines that captivate fans and pundits alike.