Three MLB managers who may be fired in the coming weeks

Aug 7, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo (25) speaks to umpire Mike Muchlinski (76) during the sixth inning after challenging a call on the field against Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo (25) speaks to umpire Mike Muchlinski (76) during the sixth inning after challenging a call on the field against Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Now that the 2021 MLB season is weeks away from its conclusion, teams are starting to look ahead to the offseason. Only so many teams can reach the playoffs; even though teams had postseason aspirations at the start of the season, not all of those dreams became reality.

Any team can underperform for a season. Sometimes those struggles persist for a second, or even a third, year. But eventually, a change needs to be made. Coaches get replaced, managers are fired, and the front office is given an ultimatum to improve.

Three MLB managers on the hot seat

As the season enters the final weeks, it is clear several managers are entering their final days with their teams. Some of those managers will simply be a scapegoat for the failures of the front office, or for players going through a slump. Nonetheless, those changes will be made.

Let’s take a look at three MLB managers that may be fired in the coming weeks.

Luis Rojas

Nothing short of reaching the MLB playoffs would be enough for the New York Mets and Luis Rojas. He was retained despite an overhaul of the front office, although he was clearly on the hot seat from the moment that new management took over.

For a while, it seemed that Rojas would survive. The Mets, despite their issues offensively and numerous injuries, were atop the NL East at the trade deadline. Moves were made to shore up the roster with an eye towards clinching that playoff berth.

Instead, the Mets have been in free fall. They have dropped to 61-63, seven games behind the Braves in the NL East. Steve Cohen is publically calling out the lineup, and the hitting coaches had been fired back in May. Changes are going to be made.

The first change is likely to be Rojas. He is still well regarded, someone that should get another managerial role in the near future. But unless something drastically changes, and the Mets go on a winning streak to reach the postseason, Luis Rojas will not be with the team in 2022.

Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlie Montoyo

The Toronto Blue Jays had returned to the postseason in 2020, a trek that was supposed to be a stepping stone for the present year. Their young roster had tasted MLB success, and were hungry for more.

It certainly helped that the Blue Jays have a manager that the roster believes in. Charlie Montoyo has the faith of the young team, as they are willing to run through a wall for him. That confidence, and the loyalty that he inspires, are certainly remarkable.

But there comes a time when the results have to come. While it is admirable that the Blue Jays players have that much respect for Montoyo, the Blue Jays need to show more. Their 64-58 record may be solid, but they are also 11.5 games out of first in the AL East and 4.5 games behind in the chase for the Wild Card.

Some of those issues have not been Montoyo’s fault. The bullpen has been a disaster all season, leaving him to cobble together the final few innings. However, continuing to send out the likes of Rafael Dolis and Tyler Chatwood in high leverage situations shows a lack of awareness. He can only play with the cards he was dealt, but that does not mean roles cannot change.

That may be Charlie Montoyo’s undoing. The mutual loyalty is admirable, but the results have not been there in the standings.

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayce Tingler

Heading into the 2021 season, the NL West was supposed to come down to the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both teams had made move after move to improve their roster, turning the division into an arms race. While no one was certain which team would win the division, the runner-up was seemingly assured of a Wild Card berth.

But that is why the games are not played on paper. The Padres are a distant third in the NL West, 13 games behind the Giants, and are closer to the fourth place Giants than they are for the division. Meanwhile, they have fallen behind a surging Reds team for the second Wild Card, a situation that no one could have imagined at the start of the season.

Like the other teams on the list, injuries have certainly been a factor. Fernando Tatis Jr. has had issues with his shoulder all year. The rotation has seen pitchers come and go. The outfield has needed help. And yet, with the talent level on the roster, the Padres should not be fighting for their playoff lives.

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If the San Diego Padres miss the postseason, it would not be a surprise to see drastic changes on the coaching staff. Jayce Tingler may be one of those who find themselves on the unemployment line.

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