Could Skip Schumaker depart Marlins after 2024?
The Miami Marlins have been arguably the worst team in MLB through nearly two weeks of the 2024 season. They are an MLB-worst 1-10 and are tied with the Colorado Rockies with baseball’s worst run differential (minus-32) entering Tuesday.
While it’s still early in the 162-game marathon, it’s as bad of a start as you could ask for the Fins. Let’s not forget they are a year removed from finishing 84-78 and squeaking into an NL Wild Card spot in Skip Schumaker‘s inaugural year as manager–leading him to win NL Manager of the Year over then-Brewers manager Craig Counsell and Atlanta’s Brian Snitker.
Though Schumaker’s tenure in South Florida may be brief.
Days after it was reported from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale that the organization voided his 2025 club option, additional reports surfaced Tuesday that the move was done to “appease Schumaker,” according to reporters Jordan McPherson, Barry Jackson and Craig Mish of the Miami Herald.
“The sources said Schumaker was upset about the departure of general manager Kim Ng, who left the team last October after owner Bruce Sherman informed her she would report to a new president of baseball operations,” the Herald read. “Ng was unhappy about being stripped of her power.
“Schumaker, who had a good relationship with Ng, expressed his concerns in a conversation with Sherman before Sherman hired Peter Bendix as the team’s new top baseball executive.
“As a show of good faith, Sherman agreed to void the 2025 team option on the manager’s contract. This allows Schumaker to seek another job, if he wishes, next winter.”
According to the report, Schumaker is “expected to explore all options” after 2024 season, which may be the best for him, given the circumstances.
Four of the Marlins’ best starting pitchers–Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett and Eury Perez–have either gotten Tommy John surgery or have recently suffered shoulder injuries within the last two months. They are also the worst offensive team in MLB right now and possess very few power bats after losing Jorge Soler to the San Francisco Giants this offseason.
Those same circumstances may not exist in 2024, but the Marlins have traditionally been an organization unwilling to fork over big bucks. They also just hired Peter Bendix, who spent 15 seasons in Tampa Bay, as their new general manager. While the Marlins may be able to pluck under-the-radar talent, I don’t think the philosophical change of not spending will change any time soon.
Teams I’d keep an eye on are the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Rockies and Tigers, among others, for potential managerial openings if Schumaker elects to go elsewhere. Plenty can happen over a 162-game season for Miami, but the immediate future does not look bright, which could result in change.
***
SUBSCRIBE to the Vendetta YouTube Channel!
SHOP for Vendetta Merch!
SUPPORT Vendetta on Patreon!
Click here for more MLB content
