Skip Schumaker’s exit from the Miami Marlins at the end of the season made him a top contender for managerial roles. Now, almost a month later, it looks like he might not be leading a team when Opening Day 2025 arrives.
After guiding the Marlins to an unexpected playoff spot in 2023, changes in ownership and management shifted the team’s short-term goals. This means Schumaker might need to take on a different role for now, perhaps even working in a front-office position with another club.
How did we get here? Why could waiting for a new manager job be good for Schumaker? Let’s dive into these questions.
Job Market Didn’t Open Up
For Schumaker to get hired, there needed to be open positions. However, teams like the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays decided not to change their managers. The Mariners let go of Scott Servais but didn’t permanently replace him with Dan Wilson. This left few opportunities available.
Only three teams will have new managers next season: the Marlins, Cincinnati Reds (who brought Terry Francona out of retirement), and Chicago White Sox. Since Schumaker left Miami and Francona was already chosen by Cincinnati, that left only Chicago as an option. But who would want to join a team that just had “the worst single season in modern Major League Baseball history”?
With no clear path forward right now, some fans might think this break could actually help Schumaker find something better later on.
Better Opportunities Next Year?
Predicting next year’s job market is tricky business! But it’s likely there will be more appealing choices than now. Contracts for older managers Ron Washington (Angels), Brian Snitker (Braves), and Bud Black (Rockies) are ending soon; they might retire, creating openings—especially with Atlanta being very attractive!
Plus, other competitive teams might change their leaders too—the Blue Jays or Minnesota Twins could make moves! And let’s not forget about St. Louis Cardinals—they’ll always be linked to Schumaker until he signs elsewhere because he played there and was once their bench coach.
The Cardinals also recently hired two of his former colleagues from Miami: Brant Brown and Jon Jay. Coincidence? Maybe… but it sure keeps people talking!
So while he can’t just pick any job he wants yet—it seems waiting might land him something really worthwhile eventually!
What do you think about all this?
