Many managers are on the hot seat
Texas’s bench boss is fourth to be fired this season. Who’s next?
There used to be a time when MLB teams remained patient with their managers. Their firings were inevitable, but their clubs waited until the off-season to make a change.
It had been four years since a manager was even fired during a season, dating back to 2018 when the St. Louis Cardinals dismissed Mike Matheny just before the 2018 all-star break. These days, managers are having trouble retaining their jobs before school starts.
Texas’s Chris Woodward was fired Monday after the Rangers went 211287 during his 3 ⁄ -year run. Woodward was the fourth major-league manager to be let go this season
It has been a rough year for job security. It began in June with World Series championship managers Joe Girardi and Joe Maddon being fired by the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Angels. Charlie Montoyo, who led the Toronto Blue Jays to the post-season in 2020, was fired in July.
The Phillies, Angels and Blue Jays all hired interim managers with hopes of turning their seasons around and positioning themselves for playoff runs. The Phillies and Blue Jays have each shown improvement and would be in the post-season if the season ended today; the Angels have only gotten worse.
Who might be the next to go? There may not be any other managerial firings over the final six weeks, but there are plenty of others who are on the hot seat once the season ends.
Don Mattingly, Miami
Mattingly took a pay cut to keep his job three years ago. He was instrumental during the Marlins’ rebuild, but they were expected to contend for a wild-card berth this season, and instead have collapsed, going 52-65 (through Tuesday’s games).
Phil Nevin, L.A. Angels
The Angels were hoping Nevin could jump-start the team after they fired Maddon. Not even close. It’s hardly Nevin’s fault, but they plan to interview for a permanent manager this winter.
Mike Matheny, Kansas City
President Dayton Moore is loyal, but the Royals were expected to show improvement this year, and instead have regressed, producing the third-worst record (48-71) in the American League.
Tony La Russa, Chicago White Sox
The White Sox would never fire La Russa again, but they could move him to a special assistant’s role if they miss the post-season. They entered Wednesday just a game out of the AL Central lead, but they still might be the most underachieving team in baseball playing in the softest division.
Torey Lovullo, Arizona
The front office recommended to ownership two months ago that Lovullo be given an extension, but ownership decided to wait. The Diamondbacks have since struggled, and Lovullo is without a contract in 2023.
Rob Thomson, Philadelphia
He has done a marvellous job, and he certainly will be rewarded if the Phillies, 65-52 through Tuesday, make the playoffs. But if they fall short, all bets are off.
John Schneider, Toronto
The Blue Jays have performed better since Schneider replaced Montoyo, but it’s hard to believe he’ll keep his job if they fall short of the playoffs.
Scott Servais, Seattle
Servais could be among the leading candidates to win AL manager of the year or he could be fired. The Mariners have positioned themselves to end their 20-year postseason drought, but if they fall short, guess who’ll be blamed?