Terry Francona said goodbye to the Guardians, so he’s on his way to at least a hiatus and the Hall of Fame. Francona could wind up as the only managerial change, but we know from history that’s unlikely. Here’s a rundown of other situations.
1. Bob Melvin, Padres
There’s a reported disconnect between him and GM A.J. Preller, and it’s hard to see them together again (though owner Peter Seidler loves both guys). Preller’s taking the hits, but Melvin didn’t exactly have a year to match his rep; they’re 7-23 in one-run games and 1-12 in extra-inning games.
2. Buck Showalter, Mets
It’s not the fault of the man who won his fourth Manager of the Year award only last year. With a new boss coming in, a change looks very possible, but a one-year “tryout” can’t be ruled out.
3. Aaron Boone, Yankees
He’s better in the clubhouse than the dugout. There’s discussion, but ultimately, he’s beloved by players and bosses Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman.
4. Francona
Rangers bench coach Will Venable and Guardians bench coach DeMarlo Hale are among candidates. Don’t bet against a Francona comeback after getting his health in order.
5. Phil Nevin, Angels
It felt like he was only brought back because the Angels were for sale but picked up supporters while enduring injuries that ultimately killed their season.
6. John Schneider, Blue Jays
Good personality, and they just made a managerial change, but some think they underperformed.
7. Oli Marmol, Cardinals
The team has suggested he’ll be back, and while it wasn’t a great year, St. Louis honchos may just be relieved they don’t have Mike Schildt anymore (seen as a good manager but a tough employee).
8. Pedro Grifol, White Sox
New GM Chris Getz, who’s suggested Grifol will be back, presumably was in on the hiring.
9. Dusty Baker, Astros
He doesn’t fit their analytics-first ways, went 2-7 against the Royals and A’s in recent days, and his contract is up. But it probably should be up to Baker, who rescued them from trash-can hell and won a World Series.
10. Craig Counsell, Brewers
The free-agent manager joining his old boss David Stearns in Queens makes sense, and he’s looking to be paid. But it’s hard to see him leaving as 1) he’s from Milwaukee, 2) he’s practically the only manager who lives year-round in the town he manages, 3) his two daughters are in high school in nearby Whitefish Bay, 4) the Brewers win, and 5) they want him back and are willing to give him a raise from $3.5M.
11. Alex Cora, Red Sox
He was hired with ownership’s blessing, so Chaim Bloom’s departure shouldn’t affect him. While he’s been speculated for a front-office job, Cora’s too good in the dugout.
