MLB Managers Under Pressure: Bowden’s Insights on 5 Hot Seat Candidates in 2024
Every year, MLB managers face immense pressure to deliver results. Some managers, however, have less job security than others. In 2024, there are five managers who are particularly on the hot seat. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
1. John Schneider, Blue Jays
Schneider is entering his third season as the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. While he has led the team to wild-card berths in the past two years, there are high expectations for the 2024 season. The Blue Jays have a talented roster, including star players like Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and George Springer. Analysts believe that a team with this much talent should have more postseason success. Schneider’s decision-making has also come under scrutiny, particularly his questionable move in last year’s Wild Card Series against the Twins. If the Blue Jays don’t start the season strong or more controversy arises, Schneider’s job could be in jeopardy.
2. Oliver Marmol, Cardinals
Marmol is beginning his third season as the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals. After a strong rookie year in 2022, where he led the team to a first-place finish in the NL Central, Marmol’s second season was a disaster. The Cardinals finished last in their division with a 71-91 record. Marmol’s decision-making and handling of players have been criticized, and the influence of the team’s evolving analytics department has also been questioned. The Cardinals front office has invested heavily in starting pitching for the upcoming season, indicating their desire to compete. If the team falls below .500 mid-season, Marmol’s job could be in jeopardy.
3. Derek Shelton, Pirates
Shelton is entering his fifth season as the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team has shown improvement under his leadership, but they need to take another step forward in 2024 to keep Shelton’s job secure. The Pirates have a young core of players, including shortstop Oneil Cruz and Gold Glove third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, who need to break out this year. The front office has also made additions to the roster, bringing back Andrew McCutchen and adding veterans like Rowdy Tellez and Yasmani Grandal. Pirates fans are tired of rebuilding and losing, so Shelton needs to guide the team to at least an 81-81 record to retain his position.
4. Bud Black, Rockies
Black is an experienced manager who has been with the Colorado Rockies for the past seven years. However, the team has struggled in recent seasons, finishing in fourth place in the NL West multiple times. Last season, they had a dismal 59-103 record. While the Rockies are in a rebuilding phase, Black needs to show significant progress in the upcoming season. The team has invested in young players and prospects, but their pitching staff has been a major issue. If the Rockies don’t demonstrate improvement, they may look to hire a younger manager with stronger player development and analytics skills.
5. Pedro Grifol, White Sox
Grifol is only entering his second season as the manager of the Chicago White Sox. His rookie season was challenging, with culture problems in the clubhouse and a poor defensive team. The White Sox finished with a dismal 61-101 record. While Grifol has a strong relationship with the new GM Chris Getz, there is still uncertainty about his future. Most GMs prefer to hire their own managers, so if things don’t improve, Getz may want to make a change.
Conclusion
Being an MLB manager comes with immense pressure and job insecurity. The five managers mentioned above will need to deliver results in the 2024 season to keep their positions secure. Whether it’s high expectations, questionable decision-making, or a lack of progress, these managers must navigate a challenging season ahead. Only time will tell if they can rise to the occasion and silence their critics.