The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season is drawing to a close, and it has been a tumultuous year for several teams navigating managerial shake-ups and performance struggles. Amidst the final stretch, fans have witnessed a slew of dismissals, interim appointments, and underperforming teams fighting to stay above water.
Managerial Changes Shake Up Teams
The managerial carousel began spinning early this season with the dismissal of three managers due to under-performance. Pedro Grifol of the White Sox, Scott Servais of the Mariners, and David Bell of the Reds were all shown the door as their respective teams faltered under their leadership. In a bid to stabilize their teams, interim managers stepped in, but the results have been mixed at best.
Grady Sizemore took over the reins for the White Sox, but his tenure has been rocky, to say the least. Posting a tough 8-31 record thus far, the White Sox continue to grapple with consistency and performance issues. Meanwhile, Freddie Benavides assumed the role of interim manager for the Reds, steering the team through the final phase of the season.
The Marlins also made headlines early in April by removing the 2025 club option from Skip Schumaker's contract. Schumaker's exit is particularly surprising given his accolades; he is the reigning National League Manager of the Year. The shake-up didn't stop there, as the Marlins also saw the departure of their general manager, Kim Ng. This dual departure marks a significant turning point for the franchise as they look toward the future.
Struggles in the West and Beyond
As we turn our gaze westward, the Colorado Rockies are on the brink of enduring their second consecutive 100-loss campaign. Under the stewardship of Bud Black, who is in his eighth season as Colorado's manager, the team has struggled mightily. Black's overall record of 536-652 with the Rockies underscores the prolonged period of difficulty. The Rockies have not made a postseason appearance since 2018, leaving fans yearning for a return to competitive baseball.
In contrast, the St. Louis Cardinals have experienced a season of renewal. After a disastrous 91-loss season in 2023, the team rebounded strongly in 2024. Under the guidance of Oliver Marmol, who signed a contract extension through 2026 in the spring, the Cardinals put together a winning campaign. This resurgence positions the Cardinals as a team to watch in the coming years as they reestablish themselves as postseason contenders.
Consistency Amidst Chaos
While some teams struggle and others rebuild, consistency has been the hallmark of the league's perennial powerhouses. Dave Roberts continues to lead the Dodgers, a team synonymous with success in recent years. Similarly, Aaron Boone remains at the helm for the Yankees, a franchise with an enduring legacy of excellence. Brandon Hyde manages the Orioles, steering them through the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
Unfulfilled Promises and Disappointment
Unfortunately, not all teams have managed to align expectations with reality. John Schneider's management of the Blue Jays has not yielded the results fans had hoped for. With the team languishing at the bottom of the AL East, the Blue Jays became deadline sellers, signaling a strategic shift focused on future seasons rather than immediate success.
As the season winds down, the narrative of 2024 is one of stark contrast—of teams rising from the ashes of previous defeats and others sinking under the weight of unmet expectations. The managerial shuffles, interim appointments, and the continuity provided by veteran managers all paint a vivid picture of a league in flux, yet brimming with stories of resilience and aspiration.