As the second half of the season approaches, our attention shifts to the trade deadline and postseason races.
On the flip side, some teams have already fallen out of contention or might soon. This puts certain managers in a tough spot regarding job security.
While no immediate firings seem likely, several managers are feeling the heat and need to turn things around to stay employed.
Oliver Marmol, Cardinals
Last year was rough for the Cardinals under Marmol – their first losing season since 2007 and a 90-loss campaign since 1990. Although not entirely his fault, blame often falls on the manager. A surprise contract extension through 2026 gives Marmol some cushion, but he’s still on shaky ground. The Cardinals are barely holding onto a playoff spot in a crowded National League wild-card race. If they falter in the second half despite improvements in rotation and bullpen, Marmol’s job could be at risk.
Bud Black, Rockies
The Rockies are an odd team without clear direction or strategy. Despite this chaos , Black has somehow avoided job pressure. However, they haven’t had a winning season since 2018 and are headed for another 100-loss season. Last year was their first-ever 100-loss season under Black’s watch. If this trend continues, changes seem inevitable.
Fans might wonder why these managers haven’t been replaced yet given their teams’ performances.
Scott Servais, Mariners
Servais has a strong bond with M’s president Jerry Dipoto and is guiding them towards another winning season. But just being above .500 isn’t enough anymore with talents like Julio Rodríguez on board. The Astros are closing in fast in AL West standings and Seattle risks falling out of playoff contention quickly if they don’t step up soon – putting Servais’ position at risk too.
Pedro Grifol, White Sox
Even legendary Earl Weaver couldn’t win with Grifol’s roster! Since taking over before 2023 season started; he holds an awful record (88-172) while current pace suggests even worse results ahead (117 losses). GM Chris Getz may offload productive veterans ahead of trade deadline making things tougher for Grifol who wasn’t hired by him initially – setting stage possibly for managerial change amidst criticism deflection attempts from Getz himself!
John Schneider, Blue Jays
Are Blue Jays most disappointing team this year? Many think so! After four straight winning seasons plus consecutive playoffs appearances; they’re now last place within AL East aiming towards nearly ninety losses contrary preseason expectations altogether! Schneider’s job seemed threatened post another early playoff exit last year itself while ongoing poor performance hasn’t helped improve situation either thus far into current one leading potentially towards deadline sell-off scenario where GM Ross Atkins might opt part ways seeking fresh start instead!
Mark Kotsay,A’s
Oakland woes aren’t Kotsay’s doing rather owner John Fisher sabotaging franchise deliberately alongside trust-funder incompetence displayed throughout tenure here already well over hundred games below .500 mark less than three seasons into role despite minor progress seen lately during ongoing campaign possibly prompting leadership change decision post abandoning city altogether end thereof!
Dave Martinez,Nationals
Martinez nearing end seventh-year stint rebuilding process slow halting ever since championship-winning run back ’19 though strides made recently albeit diminishing returns lately slipping further behind wildcard chase could theoretically result paying price organizational reset stalling mid-late summer stretch upcoming months ahead
What do you think about these potential changes?
